Maddy summaryHB 136 reopens the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) for Alabama teachers in the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), allowing Tier I (25+ years service, age 55+) and Tier II (30+ years service, age 62+) members to participate again after a prior ban. It enables eligible teachers to continue working while deferring their retirement payments until the end of their DROP participation period (3-5 years), with the deferred amount accruing interest. The bill specifies that participants must remain classroom teachers (teaching 4+ hours/day in K-12 settings) and provides updated rules for DROP termination and interest calculations. This change directly affects current TRS Tier I and Tier II teachers who meet the service and age requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ways alternative teacher preparation programs can be approved by Alabama's State Board of Education. Under current rules, these programs must be certified by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation to receive approval. The legislation adds a new option, allowing programs accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education that specializes in educator preparation to also be approved. This change applies to organizations that do not meet the existing strict criteria regarding operation in multiple states, years of experience, and the number of teachers certified. The bill also includes minor technical updates to the state code to align the language with current styles.
Resolutions
Environmental Protection
Pastor Ted Amey, Honored