HB222 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Johnny Mack Morrow

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Allen TreadawayMicky HammonHoward SanderfordBarry MaskRandy WoodDickie DrakeMike BallPat MooreMac McCutcheonMike HillCam WardWarren Beck

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Corrections Department, certain correctional officers authorized to participate in Deferred Retirement Option Plan after meeting certain requirements, Sec. 36-27-170 am'd.

Summary

HB222 would explicitly let full-time correctional officers who work in Alabama prisons join the Deferred Retirement Option Plan after 25 years of service and age 52.

What This Bill Does

HB222 amends Section 36-27-170 to include full-time correctional officers whose normal work location is in a Department of Corrections prison as eligible to participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan after reaching at least 25 years of creditable service and age 52. The bill keeps the existing DROP framework in place, including how and when a member can elect to participate and the length of the participation period. While in DROP, the officer remains on the payroll with ongoing contributions, the retirement allowance that would have been paid is moved into the DROP account, and the DROP account earns interest; a cost-of-living adjustment is generally paused until withdrawal from DROP.

Who It Affects

• Full-time correctional officers certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission and whose normal place of employment is a Department of Corrections prison; they would become eligible to elect DROP after 25 years of service and age 52.
• Participants in the state Employees' Retirement System who elect DROP; their DROP accounts and related rules (contributions, interest, COLA restrictions, and other DROP provisions) apply to them as described.

Key Provisions

• Eligibility addition: full-time correctional officers in Department of Corrections prisons may elect to participate in DROP after at least 25 years of creditable service and age 52.
• Election process: participation in DROP must follow uniform, nondiscriminatory procedures; election must be filed at least 30 days and no more than 90 days before the effective date; the election, once the participation period begins, is irrevocable except as provided by law.
• DROP mechanics: once in DROP, service credits are preserved but no new service purchases; employer and employee contributions continue; the future retirement allowance is credited to the DROP account and held as part of the retirement fund until withdrawal.
• Account terms: the DROP account earns interest at the same rate as active member accounts; DROP participants do not receive a cost-of-living increase while in DROP, and COLA resumes after withdrawal.
• Fees and rights: DROP is not subject to fees; participation does not affect other state employee rights or leave accruals; annual and sick leave continue to accrue during DROP.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Corrections Department