The bill amends Section 36-27D-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to terminate the right to state retirement benefits for teachers and school employees who are convicted of certain sex offenses involving a student or minor. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that stipulate any individual who is an active or inactive member of the Employees' Retirement System, the Teachers' Retirement System, or the Judicial Retirement Fund will forfeit their retirement benefits upon a guilty plea, a plea of no contest, or a final judgment by the trial court for offenses outlined in Article 4A of Chapter 6 or Division 4 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 13A. The bill also ensures that individuals in this situation are entitled to a refund of their retirement contributions and applicable interest.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the process for notifying the relevant retirement boards of a conviction, stating that the trial court must provide written notice promptly. It also includes provisions for the suspension of retirement benefits for retired members who are convicted of the specified offenses. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2024. The bill removes previous language regarding the presiding judge's declaration of the offense and the requirement for the conviction to occur in a federal or state court, streamlining the process for forfeiture of benefits.

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