CTA-sponsored and co-sponsored legislation for 2004

STRS Defined Benefit

Would revise the STRS defined benefit to allow STRS members to retire at age 50 with 25 years of service credit, to receive a lump sum payment for the longevity bonus and to use their three highest non-consecutive years of service for final compensation calculations.

Unemployment Rights
Would define "reasonable assurance" for unemployment compensation purposes.

Rehire Rights for Part-Timers

Would require community college districts to give part-time faculty rehiring rights, including the right of first refusal.

STRS Enhancements - Mullin

Bill #: AB 265

Would require the state to pay back over time $500 million in deferred STRS contributions to a STRS special fund that provides retirees with a purchasing power guarantee. (Amended 7/22)

Status: Senate Appropriations

Test Alignment - Hancock, Mullin

Bill #: AB 356

Would align the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program with federal guidelines by exempting pupils in second grade from the testing requirement, effective July 1; would delay use of the California High School Exit Exam as a state requirement for graduation until 2005-06; would delete the monetary rewards provisions in the Public Schools Accountability Act. (Amended 8/26)

Status: Passed Senate (21-14); pending concurrence vote

Due Process for Part-Timers - Nunez

Bill #: AB 1620

Would give all part-time and contract employees of community college districts due-process rights relating to their retention and renewal of their contracts.

Status: Assembly Appropriations

STRS Bonuses - Burton

Bill #: SB 102

Would allow some unused sick days to count in qualifying for the STRS bonuses.
(Amended 4/29)

Status: Passed Senate (27-8); sent to Assembly

Social Security for Part-Timers - Soto

Bill #: SB 272

Would require community college districts to offer Social Security coverage to part-time
faculty. (Amended 5/12)

Status: Senate Appropriations

Brown Decision Commemoration - Wesson

Bill #: ACR 140

Would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the

Brown vs. Board of Education

decision (1954), which declared "separate but equal" public schools unconstitutional.