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Bill

SB 216

Employees' Retirement System; retired firemedics, return to work without suspension of retirement allowance

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clyde Chambliss

Alabama allows retired firefighters and paramedics to return to work while continuing to receive full retirement benefits, addressing staffing shortages without forfeiting their pensions.

Enacted
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Bill Summary · SB 216

Legislative bill overview

SB 216 allows retired firefighters and paramedics in Alabama to return to work without having their retirement benefits suspended. Previously, retired fire-medics who went back to work would lose their retirement allowance during employment. This bill eliminates that penalty, permitting concurrent receipt of both salary and retirement benefits.

Why is this important

Fire departments across Alabama face staffing shortages, and this change removes a financial barrier that discouraged experienced retired personnel from returning to fill those gaps. For retired fire-medics, the ability to earn both a salary and retirement income makes returning to work financially attractive, potentially improving emergency response capacity in communities while allowing individuals to continue serving.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: The state retirement system will pay dual benefits (retirement + active employment) simultaneously, increasing costs that must be funded through general revenue or retirement system contributions
  • Fairness concerns: Other state retirees in different professions may not receive similar dual-benefit treatment, raising equity questions across public sector retirement systems
  • Career progression: Younger firefighters seeking promotions might face competition from experienced retirees returning to work, potentially affecting advancement opportunities and morale

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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