Source: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=79-901&end_section=79-977.03
Timestamp: 2019-01-21 21:46:10
Document Index: 417639661

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 23', '§ 1', '§ 29', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 28', '§ 79', '§ 536', '§ 14', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 44', '§ 21', '§ 16', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 79', '§ 435', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 84', '§ 1', '§ 16', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 14', '§ 1', '§ 10', '§ 1', '§ 9', '§ 24', '§ 32', '§ 28', '§ 5', '§ 27', '§ 79', '§ 537', '§ 13', '§ 23', '§ 26', '§ 12', '§ 16', '§ 3', '§ 45', '§ 91', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 9', '§ 13', '§ 22', '§ 18', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 11', '§ 17', '§ 19', '§ 13', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 24', '§ 18', '§ 2', '§ 79', '§ 436', '§ 41', '§ 85', '§ 2', '§ 17', '§ 25', '§ 79', '§ 538', '§ 18', '§ 3', '§ 79', '§ 437', '§ 42', '§ 86', '§ 18', '§ 26', '§ 5', '§ 29', '§ 79', '§ 539', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 30', '§ 20', '§ 14', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 25', '§ 20', '§ 3', '§ 87', '§ 27', '§ 2', '§ 79', '§ 540', '§ 46', '§ 10', '§ 21', '§ 28', '§ 79', '§ 541', '§ 11', '§ 9', '§ 9', '§ 20', '§ 47', '§ 12', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 22', '§ 6', '§ 79', '§ 440', '§ 79', '§ 543', '§ 13', '§ 8', '§ 79', '§ 442', '§ 4', '§ 20', '§ 38', '§ 79', '§ 544', '§ 155', '§ 9', '§ 79', '§ 443', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 79', '§ 545', '§ 17', '§ 23', '§ 26', '§ 12', '§ 3', '§ 79', '§ 546', '§ 13', '§ 2', '§ 29', '§ 79', '§ 547', '§ 3', '§ 79', '§ 548', '§ 67', '§ 11', '§ 79', '§ 445', '§ 79', '§ 550', '§ 13', '§ 23', '§ 5', '§ 79', '§ 552', '§ 14', '§ 25', '§ 15', '§ 55', '§ 13', '§ 79', '§ 447', '§ 22', '§ 31', '§ 79', '§ 554', '§ 15', '§ 14', '§ 79', '§ 448', '§ 4', '§ 16', '§ 2', '§ 79', '§ 556', '§ 16', '§ 16', '§ 18', '§ 9', '§ 14', '§ 24', '§ 16', '§ 2', '§ 26', '§ 3', '§ 32', '§ 79', '§ 557', '§ 17', '§ 19', '§ 49', '§ 55', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 79', '§ 559', '§ 18', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 24', '§ 4', '§ 33', '§ 79', '§ 560', '§ 15', '§ 79', '§ 449', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 33', '§ 30', '§ 79', '§ 561', '§ 50', '§ 23', '§ 27', '§ 25', '§ 17', '§ 79', '§ 451', '§ 79', '§ 563', '§ 18', '§ 79', '§ 452', '§ 1', '§ 79', '§ 564', '§ 48', '§ 31', '§ 28', '§ 21', '§ 26', '§ 32', '§ 17', '§ 5', '§ 29', '§ 4', '§ 27', '§ 22', '§ 18', '§ 51', '§ 10', '§ 24', '§ 28', '§ 23', '§ 19', '§ 11', '§ 29', '§ 25', '§ 21', '§ 13', '§ 16', '§ 30', '§ 26', '§ 26', '§ 5', '§ 30', '§ 1', '§ 14', '§ 6', '§ 29', '§ 31', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§ 79', '§ 570', '§ 11', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 31', '§ 79', '§ 464', '§ 5', '§ 8', '§ 9', '§ 79', '§ 573', '§ 18', '§ 90', '§ 79', '§ 574', '§ 24', '§ 1', '§ 55', '§ 2', '§ 79', '§ 576', '§ 27', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 79', '§ 577', '§ 3', '§ 25', '§ 28', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 79', '§ 578', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 79', '§ 579', '§ 4', '§ 29', '§ 6', '§ 79', '§ 580', '§ 7', '§ 22', '§ 79', '§ 581', '§ 26', '§ 55', '§ 12', '§ 55', '§ 55', '§ 55', '§ 53', '§ 79', '§ 486', '§ 15', '§ 30', '§ 20', '§ 19', '§ 11', '§ 44', '§ 79', '§ 583', '§ 26', '§ 34', '§ 22', '§ 10', '§ 45', '§ 79', '§ 478', '§ 163', '§ 79', '§ 585', '§ 25', '§ 79', '§ 458', '§ 4', '§ 79', '§ 587', '§ 26', '§ 79', '§ 459', '§ 79', '§ 588', '§ 26', '§ 27', '§ 79', '§ 460', '§ 79', '§ 589', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 12', '§ 32', '§ 28', '§ 79', '§ 461', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 79', '§ 590', '§ 20', '§ 56', '§ 31', '§ 30', '§ 79', '§ 463', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 10', '§ 11', '§ 3', '§ 38', '§ 79', '§ 592', '§ 28', '§ 21', '§ 32', '§ 79', '§ 465', '§ 6', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 24', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 11', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 39', '§ 33', '§ 80', '§ 10', '§ 79', '§ 593', '§ 27', '§ 57', '§ 17', '§ 35', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 19', '§ 8', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 79', '§ 466', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 7', '§ 19', '§ 7', '§ 79', '§ 594', '§ 34', '§ 79', '§ 467', '§ 7', '§ 11', '§ 4', '§ 12', '§ 5', '§ 8', '§ 40', '§ 3', '§ 79', '§ 595', '§ 29', '§ 92', '§ 17', '§ 36', '§ 28', '§ 36', '§ 79', '§ 469', '§ 79', '§ 597', '§ 27', '§ 20', '§ 37', '§ 79', '§ 470', '§ 4', '§ 11', '§ 9', '§ 41', '§ 79', '§ 598', '§ 18', '§ 37', '§ 38', '§ 79', '§ 471', '§ 4', '§ 79', '§ 599', '§ 39', '§ 79', '§ 472', '§ 79', '§ 600', '§ 38', '§ 9', '§ 10', '§ 43', '§ 79', '§ 476', '§ 2', '§ 11', '§ 79', '§ 602', '§ 58', '§ 40', '§ 46', '§ 79', '§ 479', '§ 5', '§ 12', '§ 88', '§ 12', '§ 4', '§ 90', '§ 79', '§ 603', '§ 41', '§ 67', '§ 67', '§ 47', '§ 79', '§ 480', '§ 14', '§ 26', '§ 12', '§ 15', '§ 79', '§ 606', '§ 43', '§ 67', '§ 42', '§ 50', '§ 79', '§ 483', '§ 8', '§ 28', '§ 17', '§ 43', '§ 5', '§ 79', '§ 608', '§ 44', '§ 51', '§ 79', '§ 484', '§ 29', '§ 18', '§ 79', '§ 609', '§ 18', '§ 10', '§ 67', '§ 17', '§ 89', '§ 21', '§ 20', '§ 46', '§ 91', '§ 79', '§ 611', '§ 45', '§ 156', '§ 6', '§ 79', '§ 612', '§ 46', '§ 31', '§ 59', '§ 60']

79-901. Act, how cited.
Sections 79-901 to 79-977.03 shall be known and may be cited as the School Employees Retirement Act.
Source:Laws 1991, LB 549, § 23; Laws 1993, LB 292, § 1; Laws 1994, LB 833, § 29; Laws 1995, LB 501, § 4; Laws 1996, LB 700, § 6; Laws 1996, LB 847, § 28; R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1501.01; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 536; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 14; Laws 1997, LB 724, § 2; Laws 1998, LB 532, § 5; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 44; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 21; Laws 2011, LB509, § 16; Laws 2013, LB553, § 2.
79-902. Terms, defined.
(c) For a school employee hired on or after July 1, 2017, or rehired on or after July 1, 2017, after termination of employment and being paid a retirement benefit or taking a refund of contributions, the determinations shall be based on a unisex mortality table and an interest rate specified by the board. Both the mortality table and the interest rate shall be recommended by the actuary and approved by the retirement board following an actuarial experience study, a benefit adequacy study, or a plan valuation. The mortality table, interest rate, and actuarial factors in effect on the school employee's retirement date will be used to calculate actuarial equivalency of any retirement benefit. Such interest rate may be, but is not required to be, equal to the assumed rate.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 1, p. 638; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2901; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 435, p. 840; Laws 1953, c. 315, § 1, p. 1042; Laws 1961, c. 410, § 1, p. 1229; Laws 1963, c. 469, § 7, p. 1506; Laws 1963, c. 495, § 1, p. 1580; Laws 1965, c. 530, § 1, p. 1663; Laws 1965, c. 531, § 1, p. 1671; Laws 1967, c. 546, § 2, p. 1798; Laws 1969, c. 584, § 84, p. 2396; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 1, p. 2773; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 16; Laws 1975, LB 50, § 1; Laws 1984, LB 971, § 1; Laws 1985, LB 350, § 1; Laws 1986, LB 325, § 1; Laws 1986, LB 311, § 14; Laws 1987, LB 549, § 1; Laws 1988, LB 551, § 10; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 1; Laws 1989, LB 506, § 9; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 24; Laws 1992, LB 1001, § 32; Laws 1994, LB 833, § 28; Laws 1996, LB 700, § 5; Laws 1996, LB 847, § 27; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1501; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 537; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 13; Laws 1996, LB 1273, § 23; Laws 1997, LB 347, § 26; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 12; Laws 1997, LB 624, § 16; Laws 1997, LB 724, § 3; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 45; Laws 1999, LB 272, § 91; Laws 1999, LB 538, § 1; Laws 1999, LB 674, § 3; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 9; Laws 2001, LB 408, § 13; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 22; Laws 2003, LB 451, § 18; Laws 2005, LB 329, § 2; Laws 2005, LB 364, § 8; Laws 2005, LB 503, § 8; Laws 2006, LB 1019, § 8; Laws 2010, LB950, § 11; Laws 2011, LB509, § 17; Laws 2012, LB916, § 19; Laws 2013, LB263, § 13; Laws 2013, LB553, § 3; Laws 2014, LB1042, § 1; Laws 2015, LB446, § 1; Laws 2016, LB790, § 4; Laws 2017, LB415, § 24; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 18.
79-903. Retirement system; established; purpose.
A school retirement system is hereby established for the purpose of providing retirement allowances or other benefits for the school employees of the State of Nebraska as provided in the School Employees Retirement Act. It shall have the powers and privileges of a corporation, insofar as may be necessary to carry out the act, shall be known as the School Employees Retirement System of the State of Nebraska, and by such name shall transact all business as provided in the act.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 2, p. 640; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2902; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 436, p. 842; Laws 1967, c. 486, § 41, p. 1530; Laws 1969, c. 584, § 85, p. 2400; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 2, p. 2777; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 17; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 25; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1502; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 538; Laws 2011, LB509, § 18.
For retirement system for employees of Class V school districts, see the Class V School Employees Retirement Act, section 79-978.01.
79-904. School retirement system; administration; retirement board; powers and duties; rules and regulations.
The general administration of the retirement system, except the investment of funds, is hereby vested in the retirement board. The board may, by a majority vote of its members, adopt bylaws and adopt and promulgate rules and regulations, from time to time, to carry out the School Employees Retirement Act. The board shall perform such other duties as may be required to execute the act.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 3, p. 640; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2903; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 437, p. 842; Laws 1967, c. 486, § 42, p. 1530; Laws 1969, c. 584, § 86, p. 2400; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 18; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 26; Laws 1995, LB 369, § 5; Laws 1996, LB 847, § 29; R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1503; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 539; Laws 2011, LB509, § 19; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 19.
79-904.01. Board; power to adjust contributions and benefits; repayment of benefit; overpayment of benefits; investigatory powers; subpoenas.
(3) The board may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations implementing this section, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) The procedures for refunding contributions, adjusting future contributions or benefit payments, and requiring additional contributions or repayment of benefits; (b) the process for a member, member's beneficiary, employee, or employer to dispute an adjustment of contributions or benefits; and (c) notice provided to all affected persons. All notices shall be sent at the time of or prior to an adjustment and shall describe the process for disputing an adjustment of contributions or benefits.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 30; Laws 2011, LB509, § 20; Laws 2013, LB263, § 14; Laws 2015, LB40, § 9; Laws 2015, LB446, § 2; Laws 2016, LB790, § 5; Laws 2017, LB415, § 25; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 20.
79-905. Retirement board; duties.
It shall be the duty of the retirement board to:
(1) Determine the eligibility of an individual to be a member of the retirement system and other questions of fact in the event of dispute between an individual and a department;
(2) Adopt rules and regulations, as the board may deem necessary, for the management of the board;
(3) Prescribe the form in which employers report contributions, hours worked by school employees, payroll information, and other information necessary to carry out the board's duties;
(4) Keep a complete record of all proceedings taken at any meeting of the board;
(5) Employ a director and such assistants and employees as may be necessary in the performance of its duties; and
(6) Obtain actuarial services pursuant to subdivision (2)(e) of section 84-1503.
Source:Laws 1967, c. 546, § 3, p. 1801; Laws 1969, c. 584, § 87, p. 2401; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 27; Laws 1995, LB 502, § 2; R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1503.01; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 540; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 46; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 10; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 21.
79-906. Director; records; contents; employer education program.
(1) The director in charge of the retirement system shall keep a complete record of all members with respect to name, current address, age, contributions, and any other facts as may be necessary in the administration of the School Employees Retirement Act. The information in the records shall be provided by the employer in an accurate and verifiable form, as specified by the director. The director shall, from time to time, carry out testing procedures pursuant to section 84-1512 to verify the accuracy of such information. For the purpose of obtaining such facts and information, the director shall have access to the records of the various employers and state departments and agencies and the holder of the records shall comply with a request by the director for access by providing such facts and information to the director in a timely manner. A certified copy of a birth certificate or delayed birth certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the age of the person named in the certificate.
Source:Laws 1991, LB 549, § 28; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1503.02; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 541; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 11; Laws 2005, LB 364, § 9; Laws 2005, LB 503, § 9; Laws 2012, LB916, § 20.
79-907. Statement of information; board; powers and duties.
(1)(a) On or before October 1, 2001, and at least every two years thereafter, the retirement board shall send to each contributing member of the retirement system by first-class mail, a statement of creditable service, reported salary, and other such information as is determined by the director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems to be necessary in calculating the member's retirement benefit.
(b) If the member requests a modification or correction of his or her statement of information, the member shall provide documentation to the board supporting such modification or correction and provide clear and convincing evidence that the statement is in error. The board shall, within sixty days after receipt of the documentation supporting the modification or correction, determine whether the member has proven by clear and convincing evidence that the statement shall be modified or corrected. If the board determines that the member has provided clear and convincing evidence, the board shall modify or correct the statement. If the board determines that the member has not provided clear and convincing evidence, the board shall deny the modification or correction. In either case, the board shall notify the member. The member may appeal the decision of the board pursuant to section 79-950.
(c) The board has an ongoing fiduciary duty to modify or correct a member's statement if the board discovers an error in the information it has on record. A modification or correction shall be made within sixty days after the error is brought to the attention of the board.
(2) The board may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations and prescribe the necessary forms to carry out this section.
Source:Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 47; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 12; Laws 2004, LB 961, § 1; Laws 2005, LB 144, § 1; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 22.
79-908. State Treasurer; duties.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 6, p. 641; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2906; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 440, p. 843; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1506; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 543; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 13.
79-909. Auditor of Public Accounts; annual audit; report.
The Auditor of Public Accounts shall make an annual audit of the retirement system and submit electronically an annual report to the Clerk of the Legislature of its condition. Each member of the Legislature shall receive an electronic copy of such report by making a request for it to the Auditor of Public Accounts. Expenses of the audit shall be paid from the Expense Fund.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 8, p. 641; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2908; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 442, p. 843; Laws 1967, c. 546, § 4, p. 1802; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 20; Laws 1979, LB 322, § 38; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1508; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 544; Laws 2012, LB782, § 155.
79-910. Retirement system; membership; separate employment; effect.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 9, p. 642; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2909; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 443, p. 844; Laws 1951, c. 291, § 1, p. 964; Laws 1953, c. 315, § 2, p. 1045; Laws 1976, LB 30, § 1; Laws 1976, LB 673, § 2; Laws 1977, LB 349, § 1; Laws 1979, LB 391, § 5; Laws 1987, LB 549, § 2; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 545; Laws 1997, LB 624, § 17; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 23.
79-910.01. Retirement system; participation.
(1) Each person employed by a public school who is a school employee and who is qualified to participate in the retirement system shall participate in the retirement system.
(2) Public schools shall ensure that all school employees who qualify for participation pursuant to this section shall begin annual participation on July 1 of each plan year or upon such person's date of hire, if later than July 1, and that all required deposits are made on behalf of such employees.
Source:Laws 2002, LB 407, § 26; Laws 2010, LB950, § 12.
79-911. Retirement system; emeritus member; retirement, when.
Any emeritus member may retire upon his or her application to the retirement board, to be effective upon the termination of his or her employment in any public school or in any position covered by the retirement system.
Source:Laws 1953, c. 315, § 3, p. 1046; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509.01; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 546; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 13.
79-912. Retirement system; employees previously electing nonmembership; election to hold membership; effect.
All school employees not required to hold a certificate, diploma, or credentials to practice in a professional capacity who had previously elected not to be included in the retirement system pursuant to section 79-910 may, after January 1, 1978, and prior to July 1, 1978, file with the retirement board an election to be included in the membership of the retirement system, but such employees shall be treated as new employees and no service credit shall be granted for the years the employees elected out of the retirement system.
Source:Laws 1977, LB 349, § 2; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 29; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509.02; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 547.
79-913. Retirement system; membership; election of nonmembership; when.
All school employees not required to hold a certificate, diploma, or credentials to practice in a professional capacity who are employed after January 1, 1978, and prior to July 1, 1978, shall have until June 30, 1978, to file with the retirement board an election not to be included in the membership of the retirement system established pursuant to the School Employees Retirement Act. The election shall be in writing on forms prescribed by the retirement board, and any person so electing waives all rights within the system except to a refund of his or her accumulated contributions. All such employees employed on or after July 1, 1978, shall become members of such retirement system as soon as they are employed and shall not have a right to elect out of such retirement system.
Source:Laws 1977, LB 349, § 3; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509.03; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 548.
79-914. Repealed. Laws 2002, LB 407, § 67.
79-915. Retirement system; membership; requirements; certain contemplated business transactions regarding retirement system participation; procedures; costs.
(1) Persons residing outside of the United States and engaged temporarily as school employees in the State of Nebraska shall not become members of the retirement system.
(2) On and after July 1, 2010, no school employee shall be authorized to participate in the retirement system provided for in the School Employees Retirement Act unless the employee (a) is a United States citizen or (b) is a qualified alien under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., as such act existed on January 1, 2009, and is lawfully present in the United States.
(3)(a) The board may determine that a governmental entity currently participating in the retirement system no longer qualifies, in whole or in part, under section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code as a participating employer in a governmental plan.
(ii) The board when timely notified shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, obtain from its contracted actuary the cost of any actuarial study necessary to determine the potential funding obligation. The board will notify the entity of such cost.
(iii) If such entity pays the board's contracted actuary pursuant to subdivision (3)(c)(vi) of this section for any actuarial study necessary to determine the potential funding obligation, the board shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following its receipt of the actuarial study, (A) determine whether the entity's contemplated business transaction will cause the entity to no longer qualify under section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, (B) determine whether the contemplated business transaction constitutes a plan termination by the entity, (C) determine the potential funding obligation, (D) determine the administrative costs that will be incurred by the board or the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems in connection with the entity's removal from the retirement system, and (E) notify the entity of such determinations.
(iv) Failure to timely notify the board pursuant to subdivision (3)(b)(i) of this section may result in the entity being treated as though the board made a decision pursuant to subdivision (3)(a) of this section.
(c) If the board makes a determination pursuant to subdivision (3)(a) of this section, or if the entity engages in the contemplated business transaction reviewed under subdivision (3)(b) of this section that results in the entity no longer qualifying under section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code:
(iv) The entity shall pay to the School Retirement Fund an amount equal to any funding obligation;
(v) The entity shall pay to the Expense Fund an amount equal to any administrative costs incurred by the board or the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems in connection with the entity's removal from the retirement system; and
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 11, p. 642; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2911; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 445, p. 845; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1511; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 550; Laws 2010, LB950, § 13; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 23.
79-917. New employee; participation in another governmental plan; how treated.
Within the first one hundred eighty days of employment, a school employee may apply to the board for eligibility and vesting credit for years of participation in another Nebraska governmental plan, as defined by section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. During the years of participation in the other Nebraska governmental plan, the employee must have been a full-time or a part-time employee as defined in the Nebraska governmental plan in which the credit was earned. Such credit shall not be included as years of service in the benefit calculation. The board may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing the assessment and granting of eligibility and vesting credit.
Source:Laws 1995, LB 501, § 5; R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1514.10; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 552; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 14; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 25; Laws 2013, LB263, § 15.
79-918. Repealed. Laws 2017, LB415, § 55.
79-919. Retirement system; membership; employees of postsecondary schools excluded.
Any person who is employed by the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges, the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, or a community college board of governors shall not come under the provisions of the School Employees Retirement Act.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 13, p. 643; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2913; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 447, p. 845; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 22; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 31; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1513; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 554; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 15.
79-921. Retirement system; membership; termination; employer; duty; member; duty; reinstatement; application for restoration of relinquished creditable service; payment required.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 14, p. 643; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2914; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 448, p. 845; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 4, p. 2778; Laws 1986, LB 311, § 16; Laws 1986, LB 325, § 2; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1514; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 556; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 16; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 16; Laws 1997, LB 624, § 18; Laws 1999, LB 703, § 9; Laws 2001, LB 408, § 14; Laws 2004, LB 1097, § 24; Laws 2013, LB263, § 16; Laws 2014, LB1042, § 2; Laws 2017, LB415, § 26.
79-922. Retiree; return to employment; effect; waiver of payments.
(1) Commencing on September 13, 1997, a beneficiary retired under the School Employees Retirement Act who returns to employment as a school employee, except for members retired under sections 79-951 to 79-954, shall continue receiving retirement benefits and shall be treated for all purposes of the act as a new school employee. A new member account shall be created for such school employee, and the member shall make contributions to such new account and shall receive service credit only for future service commencing from the date of reemployment.
(2) A person receiving a retirement benefit may accept employment in a postsecondary school under the control and management of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges, the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, a community college board of governors for any community college area established by section 85-1504, or any other state agency without having to waive retirement payments, without having to notify the retirement board, and without being subject to any withholding of future retirement payments relating to any retirement system which is provided for a public school.
Source:Laws 1985, LB 350, § 3; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 32; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1514.01; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 557; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 17; Laws 1997, LB 624, § 19; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 49.
79-923. Repealed. Laws 2017, LB415, § 55.
79-924. Repurchase relinquished creditable service; credit for prior years of service; payment; rules and regulations; election; provisions applicable.
The retirement board may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to allow for lump-sum or installment payments for school employees who elect to repurchase relinquished creditable service under section 79-921 or buy credit for prior years of service under sections 79-933.03 to 79-933.06 and 79-933.08. Any person who elects to repurchase relinquished creditable service or buy credit for prior years of service on an installment basis may be charged reasonable service costs, shall be credited with those prior years of service only as the money is actually received by the retirement system, and shall have paid to the retirement system all installments prior to the commencement of a retirement annuity.
Source:Laws 1986, LB 325, § 6; Laws 1990, LB 819, § 1; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1514.05; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 559; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 18; Laws 1997, LB 724, § 4; Laws 2014, LB1042, § 3; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 24.
79-925. Retirement system; prior member; repayment authorized; limitation.
Any person who is now a school employee or becomes a school employee and who had elected out of the retirement system between July 1, 1945, and October 1, 1945, and subsequently elected into the retirement system may elect to repay the retirement system for any number of years of service for which he or she would have contributed had he or she not elected out of the retirement system. The amount to be repaid shall not exceed the amount of the contributions which would have been paid into the retirement system based on the compensation and years of service as a school employee as verified by school officials plus the interest which would have accrued on the amount under the retirement system. This section shall not apply to school employees who retire prior to January 1, 1987.
Source:Laws 1987, LB 549, § 4; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 33; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1514.06; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 560.
(1) Under such rules and regulations as the retirement board may adopt and promulgate, each person who was a school employee at any time prior to the establishment of the retirement system and who becomes a member of the retirement system shall, within two years after becoming a member, file a detailed statement of all service as a school employee rendered by him or her prior to the date of establishment of the retirement system. In order to qualify for prior service credit toward a service annuity, a school employee, unless temporarily out of service for further professional education, for service in the armed forces, or for temporary disability, must have completed four years of service on a part-time or full-time basis during the five calendar years immediately preceding July 1, 1945, or have completed eighteen years out of the last twenty-five years prior to July 1, 1945, full time or part time, and two years out of the five years immediately preceding July 1, 1945, full time or part time, or such school employee must complete, unless temporarily out of service for further professional education, for service in the armed forces, or for temporary disability, four years of service within the five calendar years immediately following July 1, 1945. In order to qualify for prior service credit toward a service annuity, a school employee who becomes a member of the retirement system on or before September 30, 1951, or from July 1, 1945, to the date of becoming a member shall have been continuously employed in a public school in Nebraska operating under any other regularly established retirement or pension system.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 15, p. 643; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2915; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 449, p. 845; Laws 1951, c. 291, § 2, p. 965; Laws 1953, c. 316, § 1, p. 1048; Laws 1975, LB 236, § 1; Laws 1992, LB 1001, § 33; Laws 1996, LB 847, § 30; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1515; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 561; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 50; Laws 2011, LB509, § 23; Laws 2017, LB415, § 27; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 25.
79-928. Board; verify service record.
Subject to the restrictions in the School Employees Retirement Act and to such rules and regulations as the retirement board may adopt, the retirement board shall verify, as soon as practicable after the filing of statements of service, the service claimed in the statements.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 17, p. 644; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2917; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 451, p. 846; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1517; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 563.
79-929. Board; issue prior service certificate; modification.
Upon verification of the statements of service, the retirement board shall issue prior service certificates stating, for each member with a valid claim, the length of service in this state, rendered prior to the day of the establishment of the retirement system, with which the member is credited on the basis of his or her proof of service. Any member may, within one year from the date of issuance or modification of such certificate, request the retirement board to modify or correct his or her prior service certificate.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 18, p. 644; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2918; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 452, p. 847; Laws 1951, c. 293, § 1, p. 972; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1518; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 564.
79-930. Repealed. Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 48.
79-933.01. Direct rollover; terms, defined; distributee; powers; board; powers.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 847, § 31; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 28; Laws 2012, LB916, § 21; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 26.
79-933.02. Retirement system; accept payments and rollovers; limitations; board; powers.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 847, § 32; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 17; Laws 1997, LB 724, § 5; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 29; Laws 2014, LB1042, § 4; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 27.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 22; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 18; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 51; Laws 1999, LB 703, § 10; Laws 2011, LB509, § 24; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 28.
79-933.04. Contributing member; credit for leave of absence; limitation; procedure; payment.
(1) For contributing members under contract or employed on July 19, 1996, and under such rules and regulations as the board may adopt and promulgate, any member who was away from his or her position while on a leave of absence from such position authorized by the school board or board of education of the school district by which he or she was employed at the time of such leave of absence or pursuant to any contractual agreement entered into by such school district may receive credit for such time as he or she was on such leave of absence. Such credit shall increase the benefits provided by the retirement system and shall be included in creditable service when determining eligibility for death, disability, termination, and retirement benefits. The member who receives the credit shall earn benefits during the leave based on compensation at the level received immediately prior to the leave of absence. Such credit shall be allowed if such member has paid into the retirement system an amount equal to the sum of the deductions from his or her compensation and any contribution which the school district would have been required to make had he or she continued to receive compensation at the level received immediately prior to the leave of absence with such deposits plus interest which would have accrued on such deposits to be paid as the retirement board may direct within five years of his or her return to membership in the retirement system, or prior to termination of employment, whichever occurs first, and may be made through direct payment, installment payments, or an irrevocable payroll deduction authorization.
(2) Leave of absence shall be construed to include, but is not limited to, sabbaticals, maternity leave, exchange teaching programs, full-time leave as an elected official of a professional association or collective-bargaining unit, or leave of absence to pursue further education or study. A leave of absence granted pursuant to this section shall not exceed four years in length, and in order to receive credit for the leave of absence the member must return to employment with a school district, other than a Class V school district, in the state within one year after termination of the leave of absence and must apply for such credit within three years of the return to membership in the retirement system.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 23; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 19; Laws 1999, LB 703, § 11; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 29.
79-933.06. Contributing member; credit for leave of absence; limitation; procedure; payment.
(1) Any contributing member may purchase service credit for time he or she was on a leave of absence authorized by the school board or board of education of the school district by which he or she was employed at the time of such leave of absence or pursuant to any contractual agreement entered into by such school district. Such credit shall increase the benefits provided by the retirement system and shall be included in creditable service when determining eligibility for death, disability, termination of employment, and retirement benefits. The amount to be paid by the member for such service credit shall equal the actuarial cost to the retirement system for allowing such additional service credit to the employee. Payment shall be completed within five years after such member's election to purchase service credit or prior to termination of employment, whichever occurs first, and may be made through direct payment, installment payments, or an irrevocable payroll deduction authorization.
(2) Leave of absence shall be construed to include, but not be limited to, sabbaticals, maternity leave, exchange teaching programs, full-time leave as an elected official of a professional association or collective-bargaining unit, or leave of absence to pursue further education or study. Such leave shall not exceed four years in length, and in order to receive credit for the leave of absence the member must return to employment with a school district, other than a Class V school district, in the state within one year after termination of the leave of absence.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 25; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 21; Laws 1999, LB 703, § 13; Laws 2001, LB 408, § 16; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 30; Laws 2011, LB509, § 26.
79-933.07. Purchase of service credit or repurchase of relinquished creditable service; rules and regulations.
The board may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for the purchase of service credit or the repurchase of relinquished creditable service, which shall include, but not be limited to, the method for determining actuarial cost and interest requirements for payments other than one lump-sum payment.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 26; Laws 2014, LB1042, § 5; Laws 2018, LB1005, § 30.
79-933.08. Purchase of service credit within twelve months of retirement; agreement authorized.
Source:Laws 1997, LB 724, § 1; Laws 1999, LB 703, § 14; Laws 2014, LB1042, § 6; Laws 2017, LB415, § 29.
79-933.09. Retirement system; accept transfers; limitations; how treated.
The retirement system may accept as payment for repurchase of relinquished creditable service under section 79-921 or purchases of service credit made pursuant to the School Employees Retirement Act a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer from (1) an eligible tax-sheltered annuity plan as described in section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or (2) an eligible deferred compensation plan as described in section 457(b) of the code on behalf of a member who is making payments for such relinquished creditable service or service credit. The amount transferred shall not exceed the amount of payment required for the relinquished creditable service being repurchased or service credit being purchased, and the repurchase of such relinquished creditable service or the purchase of such service credit shall qualify as a purchase of permissive service credit by the member as defined in section 415 of the code.
Source:Laws 2002, LB 407, § 31; Laws 2014, LB1042, § 7.
79-935. Retirement; increase in benefits; when applicable.
Source:Laws 1984, LB 457, § 7; Laws 1986, LB 325, § 8; Laws 1988, LB 160, § 2; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1522.02; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 570; Laws 2016, LB447, § 11.
79-936. Repealed. Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 85.
79-937. Repealed. Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 85.
79-938. Retirement allowance; method of payment; election.
At any time before the retirement date a member may elect to receive his or her school retirement allowance or disability retirement allowance under any optional form specified in the group annuity contract, if one exists, or under any optional form permitted by the retirement board, if no group annuity contract exists. Such optional annuity shall be the actuarial equivalent of the normal form of the annuity.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 31, p. 648; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2931; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 464, p. 850; Laws 1951, c. 291, § 5, p. 967; Laws 1967, c. 546, § 8, p. 1806; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 9, p. 2781; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1530; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 573.
79-939. Retirement system; benefits; paid by retirement board.
All benefits under the retirement system shall be paid as directed by the retirement board. Except as provided in section 79-916, no member shall receive a retirement benefit from the retirement system covering years for which he or she is being paid a benefit under the Class V School Employees Retirement Act.
Source:Laws 1967, c. 546, § 18, p. 1809; Laws 1969, c. 584, § 90, p. 2401; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1557; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 574; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 24; Laws 1998, LB 497, § 1.
79-940. Repealed. Laws 2011, LB 509, § 55.
79-941. Total monthly benefit, defined; how computed.
For purposes of sections 79-941 to 79-946, unless the context otherwise requires, total monthly benefit means the benefit that would have been received under a monthly life annuity with no refund or death benefit option even though a different option, as provided in section 79-938, has been selected. The total monthly benefit shall be computed as if the person had retired at age sixty-five or at the actual age of retirement, whichever is later.
Source:Laws 1980, LB 228, § 2; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1559; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 576; Laws 2011, LB509, § 27.
79-942. Supplemental retirement benefit; how computed.
For each person who qualifies under sections 79-941 to 79-946, the retirement board shall determine the value of the total monthly benefit being received from the School Employees Retirement System of the State of Nebraska or from the retirement system for Class V districts as provided by the Class V School Employees Retirement Act. From one hundred fifty-five dollars, the retirement board shall subtract the total monthly benefit. Such difference, if positive, shall be the supplemental benefit and shall be paid to the retired person each month from the School Retirement Fund, except that if this difference is less than five dollars, a minimum payment of five dollars per month shall be made to such person.
Source:Laws 1980, LB 228, § 3; Laws 1981, LB 141, § 2; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1560; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 577; Laws 1998, LB 497, § 3; Laws 2004, LB 1097, § 25; Laws 2011, LB509, § 28.
79-943. Supplemental retirement benefit; not applicable; when.
Section 79-942 shall not apply to any retired person who receives a service annuity less than the amount provided in sections 79-933 and 79-938.
Source:Laws 1980, LB 228, § 4; Laws 1981, LB 141, § 3; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1561; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 578.
79-944. Supplemental retirement benefit; receipt by beneficiary.
If a beneficiary is receiving the annuity provided through the School Employees Retirement System of the State of Nebraska or through the retirement system for Class V districts as provided by the Class V School Employees Retirement Act, the supplemental benefit shall be the benefit that would be computed under section 79-942 had the deceased retired person still been alive. The beneficiary will continue to receive the supplemental benefit until the expiration of the annuity option selected by the member.
Source:Laws 1980, LB 228, § 5; Laws 1981, LB 141, § 4; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1562; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 579; Laws 1998, LB 497, § 4; Laws 2011, LB509, § 29.
79-945. Supplemental retirement benefit; receipt by beneficiary; duration.
If a retiree eligible for the supplemental benefit under section 79-942 dies subsequent to July 19, 1980, the beneficiary shall be entitled to the supplemental benefit until the expiration of the annuity option selected by the retired member.
Source:Laws 1980, LB 228, § 6; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1563; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 580.
79-946. Retired Teachers Supplementary Benefits Fund; created; termination.
(1) The Retired Teachers Supplementary Benefits Fund is created. The fund shall be administered by the retirement board. This fund shall be considered an express obligation of the state. The appropriation for such fund shall be determined by the retirement board as of January 1 of each odd-numbered year and included in the biennial budget to be adopted by the regular session of the Legislature held in each odd-numbered year.
(2) On June 30, 2004, the Retired Teachers Supplementary Benefits Fund shall terminate and all assets of the fund shall be transferred to the School Retirement Fund. All obligations of the Retired Teachers Supplementary Benefits Fund shall be paid thereafter from the School Retirement Fund. The appropriation to provide supplementary benefits to retired teachers shall be determined as provided in subsection (1) of this section and shall be made to the School Retirement Fund in the same manner and amounts as had been made to the Retired Teachers Supplementary Retirement Fund.
Source:Laws 1980, LB 228, § 7; Laws 1986, LB 258, § 22; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1564; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 581; Laws 2004, LB 1097, § 26.
79-947.01. Repealed. Laws 2011, LB 509, § 55.
79-947.02. Repealed. Laws 1999, LB 674, § 12.
79-947.03. Repealed. Laws 2011, LB 509, § 55.
79-947.04. Repealed. Laws 2011, LB 509, § 55.
79-947.05. Repealed. Laws 2011, LB 509, § 55.
79-948. Retirement benefits; exemption from taxation and legal process; exception.
The right of a person to an annuity, an allowance, or any optional benefit under the School Employees Retirement Act, any other right accrued or accruing to any person or persons under such act, the various funds and account created thereby, and all the money, investments, and income thereof shall be exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or any other process of law whatsoever, and shall not be assignable except to the extent that such annuity, allowance, or benefit is subject to a qualified domestic relations order under the Spousal Pension Rights Act.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 53, p. 655; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2953; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 486, p. 857; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 15, p. 2783; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 30; Laws 1986, LB 311, § 20; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 19; Laws 1989, LB 506, § 11; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 44; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1552; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 583; Laws 1996, LB 1273, § 26; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 34; Laws 2012, LB916, § 22; Laws 2015, LB40, § 10.
79-950. Appeal; procedure.
All acts and decisions of the retirement board shall be subject to review, reversal, modification, or approval by the retirement board, on its own motion or on the complaint of a member, under such rules as the retirement board may prescribe. Any teacher or other person, who deems himself or herself aggrieved by any action of the retirement board, may appeal to and have the same reviewed by the retirement board under such rules as the retirement board shall prescribe. Any final order made by the retirement board after review may be appealed, and the appeal shall be in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 45, p. 653; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2945; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 478, p. 855; Laws 1988, LB 352, § 163; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1544; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 585.
79-952. Retirement; disability; allowance; formula.
Upon retirement for disability, a member shall receive a disability retirement allowance which shall consist of a savings annuity and a service annuity computed in the manner specified in section 79-933 or, in lieu thereof, the formula annuity computed in the manner specified in section 79-934 without the reduction to the actuarial equivalent of the formula annuity deferred to the sixty-fifth birthday of the member.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 25, p. 646; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2925; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 458, p. 848; Laws 1975, LB 50, § 4; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1524; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 587.
79-953. Retirement; disability; annual medical examination; refusal; effect.
The retirement board may require any disability beneficiary who has not yet attained the age of sixty-five years to undergo a medical examination once each year. Such an examination shall be made (1) at the place of residence of the beneficiary or other place mutually agreed upon, (2) at the expense of the retirement system, and (3) by a physician, legally authorized to practice medicine under the laws of the state in which he or she practices, designated by the retirement board. If any disability beneficiary who has not yet attained the age of sixty-five years willfully refuses to submit to at least one such medical examination in any fiscal year, his or her allowance may be discontinued until his or her withdrawal of such refusal. If such refusal continues for one year, his or her rights in and to his or her disability retirement allowance may be revoked by the retirement board.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 26, p. 647; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2926; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 459, p. 849; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1525; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 588; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 26.
79-954. Retirement; disability beneficiary; restoration to active service; effect.
If a disability beneficiary under the age of sixty-five years is restored to active service as a school employee or if the examining physician certifies that the person is no longer disabled for service as a school employee, the disability retirement allowance shall cease. If the beneficiary again becomes a school employee, he or she shall become a member of the retirement system. Any prior service certificate, on the basis of which his or her creditable service was computed at the time of his or her retirement for disability, shall be restored to full force and effect upon his or her again becoming a member of such retirement system.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 27, p. 647; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2927; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 460, p. 849; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1526; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 589; Laws 2009, LB449, § 1; Laws 2013, LB553, § 7; Laws 2016, LB447, § 12; Laws 2017, LB415, § 32.
79-955. Termination of membership; accumulated contributions; return.
Upon termination of employment for any cause other than death or retirement, the retirement board shall, upon the member's demand, terminate his or her membership in the retirement system and cause to be paid to such member the accumulated contributions standing to the credit of his or her individual account in the School Retirement Fund. Any member who attains or has attained membership in another Nebraska state or school retirement system authorized by the Legislature and who elects not to be or remain a member of the School Employees Retirement System of the State of Nebraska shall have his or her accumulated contributions returned to him or her forthwith.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 28, p. 647; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2928; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 461, p. 849; Laws 1965, c. 532, § 1, p. 1676; Laws 1967, c. 555, § 1, p. 1825; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 7, p. 2780; Laws 1976, LB 30, § 3; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 4; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1527; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 590; Laws 1997, LB 624, § 20; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 56; Laws 2011, LB509, § 31.
79-957. Termination of employment before retirement date; certified service record; statement of accumulated contributions; termination benefits, when.
Upon termination of employment for any reason other than death, before qualifying for retirement under section 79-931, the retirement board shall, upon request, issue the member a certified service record and statement of accumulated contributions and retain such member's accumulated contributions. In such event, no further contributions shall be required, regular interest on accumulated contributions shall continue to be credited to his or her account, and none of the member's retirement rights shall be canceled. At age sixty-five or after thirty-five years of creditable service, such member shall become eligible to receive the retirement allowance provided in sections 79-933 and 79-934. Any deferred formula annuity provided shall be based on the member's compensation preceding the date of termination as if the member had retired on his or her date of termination. At the option of the terminating member, and if such member has completed at least five but less than thirty-five years of creditable service, such annuity may commence at any time after such member attains the age of sixty years and before his or her sixty-fifth birthday and shall be reduced by the percentages prescribed in section 79-934. Such election by the terminating member may be made at any time prior to the commencement of the annuity payments.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 30, p. 648; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2930; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 463, p. 850; Laws 1975, LB 56, § 2; Laws 1976, LB 33, § 1; Laws 1986, LB 325, § 10; Laws 1987, LB 549, § 11; Laws 1988, LB 160, § 3; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 38; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1529; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 592; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 28; Laws 1997, LB 624, § 21.
79-958. Employee; employer; required deposits and contributions.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 32, p. 649; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2932; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 465, p. 851; Laws 1951, c. 291, § 6, p. 968; Laws 1959, c. 414, § 2, p. 1388; Laws 1967, c. 546, § 9, p. 1806; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 24; Laws 1984, LB 457, § 3; Laws 1985, LB 353, § 3; Laws 1986, LB 325, § 11; Laws 1988, LB 160, § 4; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 6; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 39; Laws 1994, LB 833, § 33; Laws 1995, LB 574, § 80; Laws 1996, LB 700, § 10; R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1531; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 593; Laws 1997, LB 623, § 27; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 57; Laws 2001, LB 408, § 17; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 35; Laws 2005, LB 503, § 10; Laws 2007, LB596, § 2; Laws 2009, LB187, § 1; Laws 2011, LB382, § 1; Laws 2013, LB263, § 19; Laws 2013, LB553, § 8; Laws 2017, LB415, § 33.
79-959. Account of member; credit with regular interest.
The account of each member in the School Retirement Fund shall be credited with regular interest earned monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually as the retirement board may direct.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 33, p. 649; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2933; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 466, p. 851; Laws 1967, c. 546, § 10, p. 1807; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 10, p. 2781; Laws 1974, LB 905, § 7; Laws 1986, LB 311, § 19; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 7; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1532; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 594.
79-960. Employer; deduction; remittances; fees; interest charge.
Every employer shall deduct and withhold an amount pursuant to section 79-958 from the compensation as a school employee of each member on each payroll period after such school employee becomes a member of the retirement system. The employer shall transmit periodically, as directed by the retirement board and in such form as is approved by the retirement board, such amounts and any other information required by the board. The board shall immediately transmit to the State Treasurer all payments received. The board may charge the employer a late administrative processing fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars if the information and money required by section 79-958 are delinquent or are not timely received by the board. In addition, the board may charge the employer a late fee of thirty-eight thousandths of one percent of the amount required to be submitted pursuant to this section for each day such amount has not been received. The late fee may be used to make a member's account whole for any costs that may have been incurred by the member due to the late receipt of contributions. The board shall charge the employer an amount equal to the interest which would have accrued if the delinquent report causes the employee to lose interest on his or her account. The proceeds of the interest charge shall be used to reimburse the account of each school employee deprived of interest by the delay.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 34, p. 649; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2934; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 467, p. 851; Laws 1951, c. 291, § 7, p. 969; Laws 1967, c. 546, § 11, p. 1807; Laws 1984, LB 457, § 4; Laws 1986, LB 325, § 12; Laws 1988, LB 160, § 5; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 8; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 40; Laws 1994, LB 1306, § 3; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1533; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 595; Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 29; Laws 1999, LB 272, § 92; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 17; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 36.
79-961. Repealed. Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 28.
79-962. Contract of employment; contents.
Every contract of employment with a school employee shall specify (1) the contractual period of employment, including the starting and ending dates of the contract, and (2) that it is subject to the provisions of the School Employees Retirement Act.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 36, p. 650; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2936; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 469, p. 852; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1535; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 597; Laws 1997, LB 347, § 27; Laws 2013, LB263, § 20.
79-963. Director; employer and employee; furnish information.
Every employer and school employee shall send to the director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems, as specified in section 79-906, upon request and in the manner required by the director, such information as he or she may require (1) for the identification of school employees and (2) for the determination of the membership of the retirement system and the obligations of the employer and school employee to the retirement system.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 37, p. 650; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2937; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 470, p. 852; Laws 1951, c. 293, § 4, p. 972; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 11, p. 2782; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 9; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 41; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1536; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 598; Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 18; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 37.
79-964. Employer; pay to board; withholding of excess deduction.
Every employer shall pay to the retirement board the required deposits made by every member in the service of such employer. No employer shall, without the consent of the member, withhold or deduct from any member's compensation on any payroll any amount in excess of the required deduction for the period covered by such payroll.
Source:Laws 1956, c. 219, § 38, p. 650; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2938; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 471, p. 852; Laws 1976, LB 30, § 4; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1537; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 599.
79-965. Payment of compensation less required deductions; discharge of claims for service.
Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation affecting the salary, pay, compensation, or tenure of any member, payment of such salary, pay, or compensation to such member, less the required deductions provided for in the School Employees Retirement Act, shall be a full and complete discharge and acquittance of all claims for service rendered by such member during the period covered by such payment.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 39, p. 651; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2939; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 472, p. 853; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1538; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 600.
79-966.01. School Retirement Fund; annual actuarial valuations.
Beginning July 1, 2013, and each year thereafter, this section shall govern annual actuarial valuations of the School Retirement Fund. In order to determine the additional required deposits by the State of Nebraska, as required by section 79-966, the board shall cause an annual actuarial valuation to be performed that will value the plan assets for the year and ascertain the contributions required for such fiscal year. The actuary for the board shall perform the annual valuation using the entry age actuarial cost method. Under this method, the actuarially required funding rate is equal to the normal cost rate, plus the contribution rate necessary to amortize the unfunded actuarial accrued liability on a level percentage of salary basis. The normal cost under this method shall be determined for each individual member on a level percentage of salary basis. The normal cost amount is then summed for all members. Beginning July 1, 2006, any existing unfunded liabilities shall be reinitialized and amortized over a thirty-year period, and during each subsequent actuarial valuation, changes in the funded actuarial accrued liability due to changes in benefits, actuarial assumptions, the asset valuation method, or actuarial gains or losses shall be measured and amortized over a thirty-year period beginning on the valuation date of such change. If the unfunded actuarial accrued liability under the entry age actuarial cost method is zero or less than zero on an actuarial valuation date, then all prior unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities shall be considered fully funded and the unfunded actuarial accrued liability shall be reinitialized and amortized over a thirty-year period as of the actuarial valuation date. If the actuarially required contribution rate exceeds the rate of all contributions required pursuant to the School Employees Retirement Act, the actuary shall determine the added contributions required to be paid by the State of Nebraska that constitute the difference between the actuarially required contribution rate and the rate of all other required contributions.
Source:Laws 2002, LB 407, § 38; Laws 2006, LB 1019, § 9; Laws 2013, LB553, § 10.
79-967. Board; determine rates of benefits; adjustments; distribution of gains and savings.
As often as may be necessary, the retirement board shall cause to be made a thorough investigation of the several funds or account of the retirement system for the purpose of determining the rates at which the benefits will be granted. It shall make adjustments in such rates as, upon recommendation of the actuary, may appear to be proper for maintaining solvency of the several funds or account. No revision of rates shall affect adversely the rights of any beneficiary under an application made prior to such revision. The retirement board shall, from time to time, order and make such distribution of gains and savings to the several funds or account as it may deem equitable.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 43, p. 652; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2943; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 476, p. 854; Laws 1969, c. 736, § 2, p. 2787; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 11; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1542; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 602; Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 58; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 40.
79-968. Retirement system; assets; funds; account; investment.
All assets of the retirement system shall be credited, according to the purpose for which they are held, to the Expense Fund, to the School Retirement Fund, or to the Contingent Account. Any money in the account or funds available for investment shall be invested by the state investment officer pursuant to the Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska State Funds Investment Act.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 46, p. 653; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2946; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 479, p. 855; Laws 1965, c. 530, § 5, p. 1668; Laws 1967, c. 546, § 12, p. 1808; Laws 1969, c. 584, § 88, p. 2401; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 12; Laws 1993, LB 292, § 4; Laws 1994, LB 1066, § 90; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1545; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 603; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 41.
79-969. Repealed. Laws 2002, LB 407, § 67.
79-970. Repealed. Laws 2002, LB 407, § 67.
79-971. Accumulated contributions; use.
The Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems shall keep an accounting of the required deposits from the compensation of members collected to provide savings annuities. The accumulated contributions, plus statutorily required accumulated interest, of a member may be returned to him or her upon his or her termination, paid to his or her estate or designated beneficiary in the event of his or her death as provided in section 79-956, or used in the event of his or her retirement to assist in funding his or her school retirement allowance, disability retirement allowance, or formula annuity allowance. Any accumulated contributions forfeited shall be transferred from the School Retirement Fund to the Contingent Account.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 47, p. 653; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2947; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 480, p. 855; Laws 1969, c. 735, § 14, p. 2783; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 26; Laws 1987, LB 549, § 12; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 15; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1546; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 606; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 43.
79-972. Repealed. Laws 2002, LB 407, § 67.
79-972.01. School Retirement Fund; created; use.
The School Retirement Fund is created. The required deposits of the employer, the state, and the employees shall be credited to the fund and all savings annuities, service annuities, and formula annuities shall be paid from the fund as provided in the School Employees Retirement Act. Any unexpended balance existing on June 30, 2002, in the School Employers Deposit Account, the Service Annuity Account, the School Employees Savings Account, the Annuity Reserve Account, and the School Employees Retirement System Reserve Fund shall be transferred to the School Retirement Fund.
Source:Laws 2002, LB 407, § 42.
79-973. Contingent Account; created; use.
A Contingent Account is created (1) to facilitate the crediting of regular interest on the amounts in the School Retirement Fund, (2) to fund the adjusted supplemental retirement benefit provided by section 79-947, and (3) to provide an account to cover any special requirements of the School Retirement Fund or the Expense Fund. All income, interest, and dividends derived from the deposits and investments authorized by the School Employees Retirement Act shall be paid into the Contingent Account. The retirement board may accept gifts, devises, and bequests. Any funds which may come into the possession of the retirement system in this manner or which may be transferred from the School Retirement Fund by reason of the lack of a claimant or because of a surplus in any fund or account described in section 79-968, or any other money the disposition of which is not otherwise provided for in the act, shall be credited to the Contingent Account. Any deficit occurring in the School Retirement Fund or in the Expense Fund shall be met by payments to the fund from the Contingent Account. Annually the retirement board shall estimate the amount of money deemed necessary to pay the obligation levied against the Contingent Account, including regular interest. If such amount exceeds the revenue estimated to accrue to the fund for that year, such excess shall be certified to the State Treasurer and shall, on warrant of the Director of Administrative Services, be transferred from funds appropriated by the state for such purpose to the Contingent Account.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 50, p. 654; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2950; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 483, p. 856; Laws 1965, c. 530, § 8, p. 1669; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 28; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 17; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 43; Laws 1993, LB 292, § 5; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1549; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 608; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 44.
79-974. Expense Fund; created; use.
The Expense Fund is created and is the fund to which shall be credited the proportionate share of administration expense transferred from the Contingent Account at the direction of the retirement board. The Expense Fund shall be credited with money from the retirement system assets and income sufficient to pay the pro rata share of administrative expenses incurred as directed by the board for the proper administration of the School Employees Retirement Act and necessary in connection with the administration and operation of the retirement system. Annually, as soon after July 1 as is practicable, the retirement board shall estimate the amount of money which is deemed necessary to be paid into the Expense Fund for that fiscal year.
Source:Laws 1945, c. 219, § 51, p. 655; R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2951; Laws 1949, c. 256, § 484, p. 857; Laws 1971, LB 987, § 29; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 18; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1550; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 609; Laws 2001, LB 408, § 18; Laws 2005, LB 364, § 10.
79-975. Repealed. Laws 2002, LB 407, § 67.
79-976. Investment services; charges; report; state investment officer; duty.
Any funds of the retirement system available for investment shall be invested by the Nebraska Investment Council pursuant to the Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska State Funds Investment Act. Payment for investment services by the council shall be charged directly against the gross investment returns of the funds. Charges so incurred shall not be a part of the retirement board's annual budget request. The amounts of payment for such services, as of December 31 of each year, shall be reported not later than March 31 of the following year to the council, the retirement board, and the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee of the Legislature. The report submitted to the committee shall be submitted electronically. All money received by the State Treasurer and the retirement board for the retirement system shall be invested by the state investment officer within thirty-one days after receipt.
Source:Laws 1967, c. 546, § 17, p. 1809; Laws 1969, c. 584, § 89, p. 2401; Laws 1986, LB 311, § 21; Laws 1988, LB 1170, § 20; Laws 1991, LB 549, § 46; Laws 1994, LB 1066, § 91; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1556; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 611; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 45; Laws 2012, LB782, § 156.
79-977. School district expenditures; not exempt from limitations on spending.
Any expenditure made by a school district pursuant to sections 79-934, 79-968, and 79-973 as changed by Laws 1993, LB 292, shall be considered a general fund expenditure of the district and shall not be exempt from the growth limitations placed on district spending by the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act.
Source:Laws 1993, LB 292, § 6; R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1567; Laws 1996, LB 900, § 612; Laws 2002, LB 407, § 46.
79-977.01. Limitation of actions.
Every claim and demand under the School Employees Retirement Act and against the retirement system or the retirement board shall be forever barred unless the action is brought within two years of the time at which the claim accrued.
Source:Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 31.
79-977.02. Retirement system contributions, income, property, and rights; how treated.
All contributions to the retirement system, all property and rights purchased with the contributions, and all investment income attributable to the contributions, property, or rights shall be held in trust by the State of Nebraska for the exclusive benefit of members and their beneficiaries and shall only be used to pay benefits to such persons and to pay administrative expenses according to the provisions of the School Employees Retirement Act.
Source:Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 59.
79-977.03. Termination of system or contributions; effect.
Source:Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 60.