Teachers Retirement Association; definition of teacher modified, and employee contribution refunds required.

This bill modifies the definition of "teacher" for two Minnesota retirement systems to exclude certain individuals, including those working on J-1 visas and some university employees. It directly affects teachers and education staff in public schools, charter schools, and state colleges who currently or may soon be covered by these retirement plans. The key provision requires the retirement associations to refund employee contributions made by teachers employed on May 31, 2026, who would have been ineligible under the new definitions, with interest paid by July 31, 2026. This change clarifies eligibility criteria and ensures non-eligible workers do not contribute to the retirement funds.