The Wisconsin Legislature is expected to conclude the 2023–2024 session this spring. As of December 2023, the following bills affecting WRS benefit programs have been introduced.
Rehired Teacher Annuitants
Bills 2023 SB 9 and AB 18 seek to eliminate the annuity suspension requirement for teachers of school districts who return to work as a substitute teacher for a school district and work more than two-thirds of full time.
The bills also aim to reduce the break-in-service requirement for teachers of school districts from 75 days to 30 days. If passed, the changes apply to retired teachers who are hired between the effective date of the bill and Aug. 1, 2026.
In addition, bills 2023 SB 512 and AB 515 seek to allow an annuitant who was a teacher to return to work for a school district, work two-thirds of full time, and elect to not become a participating employee for purposes of the WRS and instead continue to receive their annuity.
The bills also aim to reduce the break-in-service requirement for teachers of school districts from 75 days to 30 days.
Rehired Protective Service Annuitants
Bills 2023 SB 273 and AB 278 seek to allow an annuitant who was a law enforcement officer or firefighter to return to work with an employer who participates in the WRS, work two-thirds of full time, and elect to not become a participating employee for purposes of the WRS and instead continue to receive their annuity.
Further, bills 2023 SB 630 and AB 671 have a wider coverage by aiming to allow an annuitant who was a protective occupation participant to return to work with an employer who participates in the WRS, work two-thirds of full time, and elect to not become a participating employee for purposes of the WRS and instead continue to receive their annuity.
State Legislators’ Sick Leave Credits
Bills 2023 SB 224 and AB 227 seek to eliminate sick leave credits for state representatives and state senators. Under the bills, the current accumulated sick leave balances of legislators would not be affected. The bills do not make any changes to the state’s sick leave conversion credit programs.
ETF will monitor the progress of these bills and update stakeholders on key milestones of the policymaking process.