Alabama House Bill HB317

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/23
• Refer: 4/13/23

Caption

Relating to county and municipal law enforcement officers; to amend Section 36-27-58.1, Code of Alabama 1975, to require a county or municipality using the services of a county or municipal law enforcement officer or firefighter to purchase a certain amount of service credit in the retirement system on behalf of the county or municipal law enforcement officer or firefighter under certain circumstances; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Impact

The passage of HB 317 is expected to lead to increased financial obligations for counties and municipalities, as they would be mandated to incur costs related to these service credit purchases. This could have significant implications for local budgets, necessitating careful financial planning and possible adjustments in funding allocations. Moreover, the bill stipulates that if it does not receive a two-thirds vote, it will only take effect upon local governmental approval or if state funds are allocated, thereby emphasizing the potential fiscal impact on local entities.

Summary

House Bill 317 aims to amend the existing retirement provisions for county and municipal law enforcement officers and firefighters in Alabama. Specifically, the bill requires local governments that employ these personnel to purchase service credit in the state's retirement system for their injured employees who are receiving workers' compensation benefits. This legislation addresses situations where officers or firefighters are absent from work due to job-related injuries, outlining their eligibility to accrue retirement service credit during their recovery period, provided they return to their jobs within a year of their benefits ending.

Contention

The bill's financial implications are a point of contention among local government leaders and legislators. Proponents argue that the legislation is necessary to ensure fair treatment and support for law enforcement officers and firefighters who sustain injuries in the line of duty, recognizing their contributions and sacrifices. However, critics express concerns about the additional economic burden this creates for local governments, particularly in smaller jurisdictions that may struggle with these increased expenditures. Additionally, there is a focus on ensuring that local governments can manage these financial changes without compromising their ability to fund other essential services.