Alabama Senate Bill SB252

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/23
• Refer: 4/25/23

Caption

Relating to state retirement; to amend Section 16-25-7, Code of Alabama 1975, to prohibit future hires of the Alabama High School Athletic Association from participating in the Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama and the Public Education Employees' Health Insurance Plan based on that employment; and to prohibit public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain circumstances.

Impact

The enactment of SB252 will fundamentally alter the landscape of state retirement considerations for employees of the AHSSA. By disallowing future hires from the ability to participate in the state retirement system and health insurance plans, the bill may deter individuals from seeking employment with AHSSA or those seeking long-term careers within the organization. This could have wider implications for recruitment and retention of skilled administrative and clerical staff across K-12 educational athletics. Moreover, the refusal of public schools to join athletic associations could disrupt current sports programs and limit competition among schools.

Summary

SB252 amends Section 16-25-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically targeting the participation of employees from the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSSA) in the state's Teachers' Retirement System and Public Education Employees' Health Insurance Plan. This legislation will now prohibit future hires by the AHSSA from joining these retirement and health insurance programs based on their employment. Additionally, it restricts public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain conditions, which could lead to significant changes in how these schools engage in athletic events and governance.

Contention

Notably, concerns regarding this bill relate to the potential marginalization of athletes and staff employed by the AHSSA as they may lose out on essential benefits that could come from being part of the Teachers' Retirement System. Some opponents argue that such prohibitive measures reflect a broader trend away from public sector support and could disadvantage future employees in a sector where financial protections are crucial. This may stir discussions regarding the balance between state legislation and the autonomy of educational organizations in managing their employee benefits.