The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically Sections 45-37-123.01 and 45-37-123.50, to revise the eligibility criteria for the General Retirement System for Employees of Jefferson County. It removes the previous requirement that tied participation to an employee's civil service classification and mandates that all eligible full-time employees hired on or after October 1, 2025, must join the retirement system and contribute. Part-time employees and newly elected or appointed county officials will have the option to join. The bill also clarifies that certain positions, such as temporary employees and independent contractors, are excluded from eligibility, thereby broadening the criteria for membership.

Additionally, the bill introduces technical revisions to enhance clarity and functionality within the retirement system. It specifies that "415 compensation" will not include salary continuation payments for permanently disabled members and outlines conditions for unpaid membership time. The definition of "vested" benefits is modified to indicate that benefits become nonforfeitable after 10 years of paid membership time. The bill emphasizes mandatory membership for full-time employees while streamlining the process for part-time employees and newly elected officials to opt into the system. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.