Arkansas Senate Bill SB159

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Administration Of Local Police And Fire Pension And Relief Funds.

Impact

If enacted, SB159 will directly affect local statutes that oversee pension and relief funds for police and fire departments across Arkansas. The amendments proposed may lead to a more uniform approach in fund administration, addressing discrepancies that may currently exist in how funds are managed at various localities. Furthermore, by refining the governance structure, localities may be able to ensure that the benefits delivered to municipal employees are maintained at better levels of adequacy and sustainability.

Summary

Senate Bill 159 aims to modify the regulations surrounding the administration of local police and fire pension and relief funds in the state of Arkansas. The bill seeks to introduce amendments that potentially streamline the governance of these funds, enhance accountability, and ensure better management of financial resources allocated for the retirement and support of local police and fire personnel. This bill reflects an overarching goal of providing local law enforcement and firefighting agencies with the financial stability necessary to support their employees' retirement needs.

Contention

One notable point of contention that could arise from the discussions surrounding SB159 is the potential implications for local control over pension management. Critics may argue that the amendments could impose stricter regulations that limit local discretion, hindering the ability of municipalities to address specific needs and contexts related to their workforce. Conversely, supporters may insist that a consistent framework for pension funding is necessary to uphold the financial integrity of these funds and ensure fair treatment across all police and fire personnel in the state.