AL SB68

First responders (firefighters, law enforcement officers, municipal police, deputy sheriffs) who are permanently and totally unable to perform their duties due to line-of-duty injuries would receive full disability retirement benefits regardless of their retirement Tier (I or II) or years of creditable service

Removes the previous requirement that first responders not be covered through their employer under the United States Social Security Act to qualify for these enhanced disability benefits

Requires the employing agency to agree to make appropriate payments into the retirement system and requires review by a system-designated medical board certifying permanent incapacity for firefighter or law enforcement duties

Provisions apply retroactively to January 1, 2023, allowing members previously denied benefits based on Tier or service years to apply or reapply for disability retirement starting July 1, 2026

Act becomes effective July 1, 2026