To amend Section 36-27-8.2, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the Employees' Retirement System, to permit any individual retired under the Employees' Retirement System, who was previously classified as a law enforcement officer, to perform duties as a school resource officer without suspension of his or her retirement allowance.
If enacted, HB46 would have a significant impact on the state’s approach to school safety and resource allocation for schools. By allowing retired law enforcement officers to work as school resource officers without affecting their retirement benefits, the bill aims to encourage the recruitment of seasoned professionals into school environments, which could enhance security and response capabilities within educational institutions. This could also ease some of the financial constraints on school administrations, as hiring retired officers may be more cost-effective than hiring new, non-retired personnel.
House Bill 46 is a legislative proposal in Alabama that seeks to amend Section 36-27-8.2 of the Code of Alabama, which governs the Employees' Retirement System. The key provision of HB46 permits individuals who are retired from the Employees' Retirement System and were classified as law enforcement officers to serve as school resource officers without having their retirement allowances suspended. This change is designed to address issues related to staffing school security roles with experienced professionals while allowing them to retain their retirement benefits.
The bill does not appear to have notable points of contention in the documentation retrieved; however, similar legislative proposals often face scrutiny regarding the balance between providing public safety and preserving the integrity of retirement systems. Critics might raise concerns about the implications of allowing retired law enforcement personnel to return to active duty in a school setting, which could include debates over the appropriateness of placing law enforcement officers in educational environments and whether this could lead to an over-policing of schools. Furthermore, there might be discussions around the adequacy of checks on these individuals in their roles as school resource officers, emphasizing the need for on-going training and education in working with students.
HB46 was first read on March 7, 2023, and is currently pending further action within the legislative process.