The bill amends Section 36-27D-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the penalties for school employees convicted of certain sex offenses. Specifically, it stipulates that teachers and school employees who are members of the Employees' Retirement System, the Teachers' Retirement System, or the Judicial Retirement Fund will lose their right to state retirement benefits if they are convicted of sex offenses involving a student or minor. The bill replaces the term "person" with "individual" and changes "conviction" to "final judgment by the trial court" in the context of forfeiture of retirement benefits. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the presiding judge to declare the offense related to the individual's public service position.

The bill introduces new provisions that require the forfeiture of retirement benefits upon a guilty plea, a plea of no contest, or a final judgment by the trial court for any offense listed in specific parts of the Alabama criminal code, effective July 1, 2024. It also mandates that the trial court must promptly notify the relevant Board of Control when a conviction occurs, and clarifies that any failure to provide notice does not affect the forfeiture process. The bill ensures that officers and employees of the retirement systems are immune from civil or criminal liability for actions taken in accordance with this section. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Engrossed: 36-27D-1
Enrolled: 36-27D-1