Retirement Systems of Alabama, full retirement benefits for first responders permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty provided without regard to Tier or number of years of creditable service

SB 68 would change Alabama's retirement system to provide full retirement benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers who are permanently and totally disabled due to line-of-duty injuries, regardless of their specific retirement tier or years of service in the system. Currently, these first responders must meet certain service requirements to qualify for full benefits, but this bill removes those barriers. The policy change applies retroactively to January 1, 2023, ensuring eligible individuals receive full benefits for past service. This directly affects Alabama first responders who became disabled while performing their duties.