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RSA Statement Regarding the Implementation of Act 2019-132

Summary

Updated June 12, 2019

The 2019 Regular Legislative Session ended on May 31, 2019, and was a very positive session for RSA and its members. As it has always done, the Legislature ensured that ERS and TRS were fully funded by setting the actuarially-determined employer contribution rate in the General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets. This full funding has ensured that the RSA stays healthy and is able to continue paying out hard-earned benefits for members.

In addition, for the third session in a row, no pension reform legislation was introduced. Instead, the Legislature focused on improvements to the RSA that would benefit members, while ensuring the continued sustainability of the system.

Three bills of note were enacted that will impact the RSA: the PLOP bill, the Local Tier I bill, and the Special Needs Trust bill.

First, the PLOP bill (Act 2019-316) by Rep. Baker will provide an additional option at retirement for RSA members, who will be able to take up to 24 months of the maximum retirement benefit as a lump sum. Then, the member’s retirement benefit will be actuarially reduced by a like amount. The RSA is working to implement this option, which will be available to members that retire on or after October 1, 2019.

Second, the Local Tier I bill (Act 2019-132) by Sen. Waggoner and Rep. Ledbetter will allow local government employers that participate in the RSA, such as cities and counties, to provide Tier I benefits to Tier II members. Local employers have two years to make this election. The RSA is working with its actuaries to run cost estimates for all 874 of its local units so local governments have the information needed to make such an important decision.

Finally, the Special Needs Trust bill (Act 2019-221) by Sen. Ward will allow payments for a member’s beneficiary to be paid to a special needs trust. Under current law, beneficiary payments may only be made to individuals, which has caused some issues for special needs beneficiaries.

Bill Chart

2018 Regular Session (archive)

Presentations

TRS Update for W&ME - 2/13/2019

PEEHIP Update for W&ME - 2/12/2019

News

Lawmakers, Advocates Discussing Increases to Teachers' Retirement Benefits to Battle Teacher Shortage

Contacts

Representatives by District

Senators by District

Neah Mitchell Scott has served as Legislative Counsel for the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) since September 2013. Prior to joining the RSA, Neah practiced in the areas of civil litigation and healthcare law as an associate with Balch & Bingham LLP. Neah obtained a juris doctorate from the University of Alabama in 2008 and a B.A. in History from Auburn University in 2004.