SB129 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bobby D. SingletonSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama; to amend Section 36-27-59, Code of Alabama 1975, to designate the Commissioner of Corrections and deputy commissioners of corrections who have earned and maintain APOSTC certification as correctional officers or law enforcement officers for state retirement purposes; and to provide that the designation is retroactive.
Summary: SB129 lets the Alabama Commissioner of Corrections and deputy corrections leaders who have APOSTC certification be treated as correctional or law enforcement officers for state retirement purposes, retroactively to March 1, 2022.
What This Bill Does
It expands who is considered a correctional officer under the state retirement system to include the Commissioner of Corrections and deputy commissioners who hold APOSTC certification. The designation is applied retroactively to March 1, 2022, so eligible service can be counted for retirement benefits. As a result, these officials would follow the same retirement rules as other correctional officers, including potential credits like hazardous-duty time under the existing law, and standard retirement contributions.

Who It Affects
Group 1: the Commissioner of Corrections and deputy commissioners of corrections who have earned and maintain APOSTC certification, as they will be designated as correctional officers or law enforcement officers for retirement purposes.
Group 2: the Alabama Employees' Retirement System and Teachers' Retirement System administrators and related agencies, which will implement the retroactive designation and adjust records and benefits accordingly.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 36-27-59 to designate the Commissioner of Corrections and deputy commissioners of corrections who have earned and maintain APOSTC certification as correctional officers or law enforcement officers for state retirement purposes.
Provides that the designation is retroactive to March 1, 2022.
States the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.