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Sponsor Statement for HCS CSSSSB 149 (FIN)
Teacher Incentives

An Act relating to reemployment of retired teachers, to eligibility for major medical insurance coverage for beneficiaries of the teachers' retirement system, and to teacher certificates; and providing for an effective date.

House Committee Substitute for Finance Committee Substitute for Sponsor Substitute forSenate Bill 149 responds to Alaska's current teacher shortage. It establishes a three-pronged approach to increase and retain personnel in this critical staffing area.

To increase the teacher supply in Alaska, SB 149 creates a new teacher certification that will allow the State to recognize the credentials of teachers certified out-of-state. The "preliminary teacher certificate" will include the same endorsements as those on a teacher's current, valid certificate issued out-of-state.

SB 149 also eases recertification requirements for teachers previously certified in Alaska through the creation of a transitional teaching certificate. This certificate will be valid for one year during which the teacher shall complete requirements for the issuance of a regular teacher certificate.

SB 149 promotes employment of retired teachers through the creation of a retirement benefits election option. Under election, retired members continue to receive benefit payments upon reemployment, but do not accrue additional years of service or additional benefits. If no election is made, upon reemployment retired members have their benefit payments suspended, but additional years of service continue to accrue. The election option will be available for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2001, and ending July 1, 2005.

SB 149 promotes teacher retention by improving coverage and easing qualifications to receive major medical benefits. Under SB 149 a teacher can qualify for 100% medical coverage by: years of service (25 years), age (60 instead of 65), or if disabled and appointed to normal retirement.

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Attachments:

• Sectional Analysis
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 69 K

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