HB29 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy WoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Workers' compensation, Employees' Retirement System of Alabama members authorized to purchase service credit for compensation period

Summary

HB29 lets active Employees' Retirement System of Alabama members buy up to two years of service credit for time they were off work due to a job-related workers' compensation injury, if they return to work after benefits end.

What This Bill Does

Allows eligible ERS members to purchase up to two years of service credit for periods they were receiving workers' compensation due to a job-related injury. Requires the member to return to work with their employer within one year after workers' compensation benefits end. Requires a lump-sum payment within two years after the end of the disability period equal to the full actuarially determined cost for each year of service purchased. Prohibits purchasing credit for any time already credited in ERS or other retirement plans (except Social Security). The ERS Board of Control must set rules and verify the service being purchased.

Who It Affects

• Active, contributing members of the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama who were away from work due to a work-related injury and received workers' compensation benefits (eligible to purchase credit for that period).
• The Employees' Retirement System of Alabama and its administrators (Board of Control and Secretary-Treasurer) who will implement the purchase rules, verify eligibility, and collect payments.

Key Provisions

• Allows eligible active ERS members to purchase up to two years of service credit for time spent on workers' compensation due to a job-related injury, starting when benefits began.
• Eligibility requires the member to return to work with their covered employer within one year after workers' compensation benefits end.
• Requires the member to pay a lump sum within two years after the end of the disability period equal to the full actuarially determined cost for each year of service purchased.
• Prohibits purchasing credits for periods already credited in ERS or in any other retirement plan (except Social Security).
• The ERS Board of Control must adopt rules, verify the service being purchased, and 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

Workers' Compensation