Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB12

Introduced
2/6/24  
Introduced
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/7/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Engrossed
3/6/24  
Report Pass
2/7/24  
Engrossed
3/6/24  
Report Pass
3/19/24  
Refer
3/6/24  
Enrolled
5/2/24  
Report Pass
3/19/24  
Passed
5/9/24  
Enrolled
5/2/24  
Passed
5/9/24  

Caption

RSA, certain conditions removed for retired elected official under TRS or ERS to serve in another elected public office for compensation without suspension of benefits

Impact

If enacted, SB12 will have considerable implications on state laws regarding retirement systems. It will facilitate more opportunities for retired elected officials to contribute to their communities without the fear of losing their pension benefits. This change could lead to an influx of seasoned professionals returning to public office, thereby enhancing institutional knowledge within the legislature. However, the relaxation of these rules also raises questions about the integrity of retirement systems and potential financial impacts on state funds designated for pensions.

Summary

Senate Bill 12 (SB12) proposes amendments to the provisions of Alabama's Teachers' Retirement System and Employees' Retirement System, particularly concerning the conditions under which retired elected officials can serve in public office. The bill aims to remove certain restrictions that currently prevent retired officials from receiving full compensation while serving without sacrificing their retirement benefits. By allowing such provisions, the bill seeks to provide flexibility for retirees re-entering public service, fostering ongoing engagement in governance among those with prior experience.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB12 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers who advocate for increased representation of experienced individuals in government roles. Proponents argue that the bill enhances public service opportunities while also enriching decision-making processes in government. However, there may also be apprehensions surrounding the implications of maintaining public sector pensions alongside full salaries, which could lead to criticism from fiscal conservatives concerned about long-term sustainability of the retirement fund.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between incentivizing public service among retirees and the risk of allowing potential conflicts of interest in governance. Critics of the bill may express concerns over whether the amendment might encourage 'double-dipping', where retirees simultaneously reap the benefits of a salary and pensions from the state. This debate touches on broader themes of fiscal responsibility and the ethics surrounding pension systems, challenging the legislature to find a reasonable compromise that addresses both the needs of retirees and the financial implications for state resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB307

Relating to the Retirement Systems of Alabama; to amend Sections 16-25-26 and 36-27-8.2, Code of Alabama 1975, to remove certain conditions under which an elected official who has retired from the Teachers' Retirement System and the Employees' Retirement System may serve for compensation in another elected public office without suspension of retirement benefits.

AL HB367

Employees' Retirement System, employment of retired law enforcement officers as correctional officers permitted without suspension of retirement allowance, Sec. 36-27-8.2 am'd.

AL HB421

Employees' Retirement System, employment of retired law enforcement officers as correctional officers permitted without suspension of retirement allowance, Sec. 36-27-8.2 am'd.

AL HB41

Relating to the Employees' Retirement System; to amend Section 36-27-8.2, Code of Alabama 1975, to temporarily permit certain retired individuals performing duties as school resource officers or as correctional officers to serve without suspension of his or her retirement allowance.

AL SB216

Employees' Retirement System; retired firemedics, return to work without suspension of retirement allowance

AL SB4

Relating to the Employees' Retirement System; to amend Section 36-27-8.2, Code of Alabama 1975, as last amended by Act 2023-334 of the 2023 Regular Session, to temporarily permit certain retired state police officers performing duties as school resource officers or as correctional officers to serve without suspension of their retirement allowance.

AL HB46

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.

AL HB36

State employees, retired under ERS or TRS, compensation increased which does not affect retirement, Secs. 16-25-26, 36-27-8.2 am'd.

AL HB276

Law enforcement, authorizes state colleges to employ retired law enforcement officers without officers losing retirement allowance

AL SB174

Relating to the Teachers' Retirement System and the Employees' Retirement System; to amend Section 16-1-44.1, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide further for the compensation of retired law enforcement officers providing services as school resource officers for local boards of education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.