HJR288 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim Patterson
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Public pensions, joint legislative committee estab. to study
Summary: A joint House-Senate committee is created to study Alabama public pensions and retiree health benefits and to develop a plan to improve the long-term financial health of the retirement systems.
What This Bill Does
It creates the Joint Committee on Alabama Public Pensions to study the benefits, investments, and funding of state-administered retirement systems and to consider retiree health insurance stability. The committee will develop consensus recommendations and may use outside research and information from state agencies. It must meet monthly through December 15, 2015 and submit its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the 2016 Regular Session, at which point the committee is dissolved.

Who It Affects
Public employees and retirees who participate in Alabama's public pension systems and retiree health insurance, who may see future changes based on the committee's recommendations.
State and local government employers and taxpayers who fund the pension programs and health benefits, and who rely on information and cooperation from state agencies during the study.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Joint Committee on Alabama Public Pensions to study and develop consensus recommendations on benefits, investments, and funding of state-administered retirement systems and retiree health benefits.
Defines committee composition: 3 House Ways and Means Education members, 3 House Ways and Means General Fund members, 3 Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund members, 3 Senate Finance and Taxation Education members, plus 2 House members and 2 Senate members, with minority party representation required in certain seats; co-chairs are appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore and House Speaker.
Allows non-voting ex officio participation by certain committee chairs from other committees.
Requires all state agencies to provide requested assistance and information; permits use of outside groups and research, including Pew Charitable Trusts.
Mandates monthly meetings through December 15, 2015; requires a final report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the 2016 Regular Session, after which the committee is dissolved.
Provides staff and administrative support from legislative offices and allows members to receive standard compensation, per diem, and travel expenses per Amendment 871, paid from legislative funds.

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