The most high-profile rehire case has been that of Tad Perry, executive director of the South Dakota Board of Regents, who retired from the position in 2005 and was hired back two weeks later. The governor supported the decision, which was criticized by some lawmakers; Rounds said employers need flexibility in personnel decisions.

At the time of Perry's retirement, he earned more than $190,000 a year, according to news articles from the time, and today, he earns nearly $325,000, according to the state open government Web site.

Records on a specific employee's retirement pension are closed to the public under state law, but the retirement system's stated goal is that the pension payout, including Social Security, equal between 70 percent and 85 percent of the worker's former salary.

RELATED ARTICLES:

'Double-dipping' not illegal but will be reviewed by state

Retirement system changed in 2004 to address costs, rules

Perry retired for two weeks, now makes $325K