AB 1877

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law, the Teachers' Retirement Law, establishes the State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS) and creates the Defined Benefit Program of the State Teachers' Retirement Plan, which provides a defined benefit to members of the program, based on final compensation, credited service, and age at retirement, subject to certain variations. STRS is governed by the Teachers' Retirement Board. Existing law limits the postretirement compensation of a member of the Defined Benefit Program of the Teachers' Retirement Plan to an amount calculated by STRS, as specified. If the member's postretirement compensation exceeds this amount, the law requires the member's retirement allowance to be reduced by the amount of excess compensation. Existing law, however, permits members retired for service from STRS to perform member activities without being subject to the compensation limit under certain limited conditions and circumstances. This bill would exempt from the postretirement compensation limit the compensation of a member retired for service who was a classroom teacher, as defined, who has returned to work to fulfill a critical need in a position due to a teacher shortage in the area of special education. The bill would require a local school district, county office of education, or other local educational agency exercising this exemption to submit specified documentation, certified under penalty of perjury, to substantiate a retired member's eligibility. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.