HB504 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy WoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Beneficiaries, permit Supernumerary Circuit Clerk or Register to change beneficiary, seek refund under certain circumstances, Secs. 12-17-142, 12-17-143 am'd.

Summary

HB504 would let beneficiaries other than a surviving spouse receive Clerks' and Registers' Supernumerary Fund benefits, allow designation and changes of beneficiaries, provide refunds in certain cases, and set rules for opting out and using remaining funds.

What This Bill Does

It expands who can receive benefits from the Clerks' and Registers' Supernumerary Fund beyond just a surviving spouse. It lets a supernumerary official designate a non-spouse beneficiary or change the named beneficiary, following the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama rules. If there is no surviving spouse, the designated beneficiary would receive 100% of contributions plus 75% of accrued interest. It allows officials to opt out of participation in the Fund, and any remaining funds after all liabilities are met would go to the Administrative Office of Courts to benefit Court Specialists.

Who It Affects

• Supernumerary circuit clerks and registers, who would gain new options for who receives benefits, could receive refunds if no beneficiary, and could opt out of the fund.
• Spouses, other named beneficiaries, and potential non-spouse beneficiaries who might receive benefits under the new rules and how those benefits are paid.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 12-17-142 and 12-17-143 to allow benefits to be paid to beneficiaries other than a surviving spouse.
• Allows supernumerary officials to designate or change the beneficiary of the Fund according to Employees' Retirement System of Alabama procedures.
• If there is no surviving spouse, a designated beneficiary may receive 100% of contributions plus 75% of accrued interest.
• Allows a supernumerary official without a spouse or designated beneficiary to receive a refund of contributions paid into the Fund.
• Allows circuit clerks and registers to opt out of participation in the Clerks' and Registers' Supernumerary Fund.
• Any remaining funds after all liabilities are met revert to the Administrative Office of Courts to be used for Court Specialists.

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

Subjects

Beneficiaries