AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1154

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1154

Introduced
1/16/25  
Refer
1/16/25  
Report Pass
2/18/25  
Engrossed
2/19/25  
Enrolled
2/24/25  
Chaptered
2/27/25  

Caption

To Enact The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System's General Omnibus; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The proposed changes would allow members of the ATRS to receive credit for their federal service upon making appropriate payments and meeting certain conditions defined by the Board of Trustees. It also modifies membership status transitions for active members transitioning from non-teacher to teacher or administrator roles, which could influence the retirement planning of many educators in Arkansas. Furthermore, the bill aims to eliminate temporary waivers for electronic reporting of contributions, paving the way for a more streamlined process in compliance with ATRS requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1154, also known as the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System's General Omnibus, aims to update and revise various provisions related to the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS). The bill seeks to amend laws concerning recognition of federal retirement programs, contributory and noncontributory membership statuses, and survivor benefits under the ATRS. Additionally, it addresses the eligibility for new employees of a Public School Health and Education (PSHE) employer to participate in the PSHE plan, thereby impacting how teacher retirement benefits are administered in the state.

Contention

A notable aspect of HB 1154 is its emergency clause, which declares an immediate necessity for these revisions to ensure alignment with sound public pension policy and to preserve member benefits. This urgency may spark debates among legislators about the appropriateness of implementing changes on a fast-tracked basis, especially concerning the fiscal implications for the ATRS and its members. Stakeholders may also be concerned about the long-term effects of these amendments, especially regarding transparency and member rights within the retirement system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1201

To Enact The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System’s General Omnibus Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1186

To Amend And Update The Law Concerning Annuity Options Under The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB115

To Amend And Update The Law Concerning Survivor Annuity Benefits Under The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB127

To Amend And Update Language For The Proper Administration Of The Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1187

To Amend And Update The Law Concerning The Lump-sum Death Benefit Under The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1202

To Amend The Law Concerning The Multiplier Used To Calculate A Life Annuity Under The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1184

To Amend The Law Concerning The Membership Status Of Certain Members Of The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1200

Concerning An Inactive Member's Eligibility For Free Military Service Credit And Ability To Purchase Military, Contributory, And Federal Service Credit In The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB126

To Amend The Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System Plan Regarding Survivor Benefits; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1183

To Amend And Update Provisions For Outsourcing Under The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.