Transferring teachers from the KPERS 3 cash balance plan to the KPERS 2 plan and defining teachers for purposes of KPERS.

HB 2129 transfers all Kansas teachers from the KPERS 3 retirement plan (2015) to the KPERS 2 plan (2009). It defines "teacher" broadly to include certified school staff and college instructors, requiring all new teachers hired on or after July 1, 2025, to join KPERS 2 immediately. Existing teachers will automatically transfer to KPERS 2 on January 1, 2026, with all prior contributions and service credits preserved, and guaranteed benefits not reduced. The bill ensures no loss of rights or benefits during the transition, with employer contributions offsetting transfer costs. This affects all K-12 and community college teachers under KPERS.