RALEIGH, N.C. — A bill aimed at addressing North Carolina's teacher shortages by rehiring retired educators is close to final passage at the General Assembly.
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The House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan legislation on Tuesday and returned the measure to the Senate, which passed a different version earlier. One more affirmative Senate vote would send the bill to Gov. Roy Cooper's desk for his signature.
Under the bill, retired teachers could work in high-need schools and earn a salary similar to entry-level teachers without jeopardizing their retirement benefits. Those teaching special education, science, technology, engineering or math would earn a little more.
If the IRS decides the bill doesn't comply with federal regulations, it would be repealed and the teachers would be dismissed to ensure the state retiree system follows pension rules.