The bill amends Sections 16-25-26 and 36-27-8.2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically addressing the conditions under which retirees from the Teachers' Retirement System and the Employees' Retirement System can serve in elected public office without losing their retirement benefits. The new legal language allows retirees to receive their full compensation while serving in elected positions at the state, county, or municipal level, provided they do not accrue additional benefits from the retirement systems for that service. The bill also clarifies that local elected superintendents of education may not receive both pension benefits and salary unless their compensation does not exceed the annual earning limits set forth in the legislation.

Additionally, the bill removes previous stipulations that limited the application of these provisions to elected officials whose participation in the retirement systems was constitutionally required to be on the same terms as other employees. The amendments also place the responsibility for compliance with these regulations on the employing authority and require retirees to notify their respective retirement systems and employers of any post-retirement employment within 30 days. The act is set to take effect 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