SB364 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Teachers' Retirement System, UAB employees who served as postdoctoral fellow, allowed to purchase up to two years credit in the system

Summary

This bill would let active, contributing teachers in the Teachers' Retirement System buy up to two years of credit for time spent as a postdoctoral fellow at Alabama public colleges or universities, by paying the determined cost.

What This Bill Does

If passed, eligible TRS members could purchase up to two years of service credit for postdoctoral research time at Alabama public colleges/universities (including UAB). The credit would be granted after the member pays the full cost per year, as determined by the system actuary, and credit cannot be granted for time already credited in TRS or any other public retirement plan (except Social Security). The payment must be made within one year from October 1, 2021, and the law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Active and contributing teachers in the Teachers' Retirement System who served as postdoctoral research fellows at Alabama public colleges or universities (including University of Alabama at Birmingham employees) and could purchase up to two years of service credit.
• TRS members who pursue this option would be subject to certification rules, the actuarial cost, and the prohibition on duplicating credit already earned in TRS or other public retirement plans (except Social Security).

Key Provisions

• Allows active and contributing TRS members to purchase up to two years of service credit for time served as a postdoctoral research fellow at any Alabama public college or university, with credit not granted for time already credited elsewhere (except Social Security).
• Requires payment of the full cost for each year claimed (as determined by the system actuary) within one year from October 1, 2021; sets that the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval (or otherwise becomes law).

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

Subjects

Teachers' Retirement System