The bill amends Section 36-27-59 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to allow certain emergency medical services personnel to purchase hazardous duty time in the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama, similar to the provisions already available for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers. The new legal language defines "emergency medical services personnel" as full-time individuals employed by a local unit of the Employees' Retirement System and certified by the State Board of Health. Additionally, the bill specifies that these personnel will contribute either six percent or eight and one-half percent of their earnable compensation to the retirement system, depending on whether their employer has opted for increased contributions.

The bill also includes several deletions and modifications to existing language, such as the removal of specific percentages for contributions from firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers, which were previously set at six percent, eight and one-quarter percent, and eight and one-half percent. The effective date for the new provisions is set for October 1, 2024. Overall, the bill aims to enhance retirement benefits for emergency medical services personnel, aligning their contributions and benefits with those of other hazardous duty professionals in Alabama.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-27-59
Engrossed: 36-27-59
Enrolled: 36-27-59