Arkansas 2022 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SR9

Introduced
2/10/22  

Caption

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Public School Employees' Health Insurance Program Funding.

Impact

The proposed amendments are significant as they revise the contribution structures and the foundation funding amounts for the health insurance program for the 2022-2023 school year and beyond. The bill mandates that each school district must contribute an increased minimum amount to the health insurance program, which is reviewed biennially by the relevant House and Senate committees. This shift in funding is designed to assure that the program remains viable and can adequately serve the health insurance needs of its participants.

Summary

Senate Resolution 9 (SR9) primarily addresses the funding of the Public School Employees' Health Insurance Program in Arkansas. The bill authorizes the introduction of a non-appropriation bill that aims to amend how the health insurance program for public school employees is funded. Specifically, it outlines changes to the contribution rates to improve the solvency of the program, which is deemed critical for providing sustainable health benefits to public school employees.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding SR9 relate to the implications of modifying funding structures for public school employees' health insurance. By changing the local contribution rates and tying them to salary adjustments for district employees, proponents argue that this will better reflect the financial realities of school districts. However, opponents may voice concerns about whether these changes could overburden school districts financially, particularly those already experiencing funding difficulties. Furthermore, the emergency clause in the bill highlights the urgency perceived by lawmakers in addressing health benefits for public employees.

Final_note

The bill also includes the repeal of certain provisions related to funding appropriations, signaling a reallocation of resources towards more pressing needs under the health insurance program. Given the bill's clear intent to enhance financial support for public school employees, its outcomes will likely shape the landscape of employee benefits within Arkansas education, with potential ripple effects on school district governance and financial management.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SR10

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR SR13

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Amend The Uniform Money Services Act.

AR HR1018

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Amend The Uniform Money Services Act.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR11

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Require A Digital Asset Mining Business To Pay A Fee For Extraordinary Electrical Energy Usage.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SR1

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

Similar Bills

CA AB1243

Public Employees’ Retirement System: replacement benefits plan.

CA SB1343

Public employees’ retirement: charter schools.

IL SB1824

PEN CD-IMRF-VARIOUS

TX HB2506

Relating to creating defined contribution retirement plans for persons eligible to participate in the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

TX HB4076

Relating to benefits administered by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

MI HB5328

Retirement: judges; employee contribution and match; increase. Amends sec. 714 of 1992 PA 234 (MCL 38.2664).

IL HB3138

PENCD-TRS-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION

IL HB2623

PENCD-TRS-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION