The bill amends Sections 16-25-26 and 36-27-8.2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertain to the retirement systems for teachers and state employees, respectively. The amendments remove certain conditions that previously applied to retired individuals from the Teachers' Retirement System and the Employees' Retirement System who wish to serve in an elected public office. Specifically, the bill allows these retirees to receive their full compensation for serving in an elected public office without suspending their retirement benefits. However, it stipulates that they cannot participate in or accrue additional benefits from the retirement systems for that service. Additionally, the bill clarifies that retirees serving as local elected superintendents of education can only receive both pension benefits and salary if their compensation does not exceed the annual earning limits provided in subsection (a).

The bill also places the responsibility for compliance with these provisions on the employing authority. Retirees must certify any required information to their employer and notify the relevant retirement system and employing authority within 30 days if they will be working in a full-time or permanent capacity or earning more than the annual limit. The bill includes provisions for retirees who are certified as law enforcement officers or correctional officers, allowing them to work in specific roles without suspending their retirement allowance, provided their earnings do not exceed $52,000 per year. This particular employment allowance is set to expire on December 31, 2026. The act is scheduled to become effective on June 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-25-26, 36-27-8
Engrossed: 16-25-26, 36-27-8
Enrolled: 16-25-26, 36-27-8