Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB126

Introduced
1/25/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Refer
2/21/23  
Report Pass
2/27/23  
Engrossed
2/28/23  
Enrolled
3/7/23  
Chaptered
3/14/23  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB 126 would significantly update how survivor benefits are managed for public employees in Arkansas. By clarifying the criteria for receiving survivor benefits and the effective date of such benefits upon the death of a member, the bill aims to provide smoother transitions for families affected by the passing of public employees. The removal of obsolete laws is intended to align the retirement system with current practices and needs, ultimately helping to protect the rights of beneficiaries and ensuring they receive their entitled benefits in a timely manner.

Summary

Senate Bill 126 aims to amend the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System regarding survivor benefits, specifically focusing on simplifying the post-retirement marriage period for the election of spousal benefits and streamlining the administration of survivor benefits for members’ and former members’ children. The legislation seeks to bring clarity to existing retirement laws by removing outdated provisions and ensuring better management of benefits for survivors of deceased members of the retirement system. An emergency clause was included to expedite the implementation of these changes, setting an effective date of July 1, 2023, to coincide with the fiscal year administration of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System.

Sentiment

Overall, there is a positive sentiment surrounding SB 126, particularly among proponents who argue that the amendments bring necessary updates that align the retirement system with modern expectations. The legislative discourse suggests a broad consensus on the need for these revisions, as they streamline processes and eliminate uncertainties surrounding survivor benefits. The bill's passage with a strong voting majority of 95 yeas to 1 nay indicates a favorable view among lawmakers, reinforcing the importance of supporting public employees' families after their loss.

Contention

Despite its widespread support, some lawmakers raised concerns regarding specific stipulations within the bill, particularly the potential implications for dependents and the criteria around designating beneficiaries. Critics may argue that the changes, while streamlining administrative processes, might unintentionally disadvantage certain groups, such as dependents who had previously relied on less stringent requirements for eligibility. Thus, while the bill addresses key areas of improvement, it also shines a light on the need for ongoing dialogue and evaluation of how such modifications impact the landscape of retirement benefits for Arkansas's public employees.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1073

An Act For The Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB48

An Act For The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR24

Congratulating Roger Allan Norman, Legislative Auditor For Arkansas Legislative Audit, Upon His Retirement And Commending Him For His Contributions To The State Of Arkansas.

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.

Similar Bills

MI HB5988

Retirement: state police; naming a special needs trust as beneficiary; allow. Amends sec. 24 of 1986 PA 182 (MCL 38.1624).

MI HB4657

Retirement: state police; naming a special needs trust as beneficiary; allow. Amends sec. 24 of 1986 PA 182 (MCL 38.1624).

KS HB2025

Authorizing a self-funded cost-of-living adjustment retirement benefit option for certain KPERS members.

AR HB1336

To Amend The Survivors' Benefit Options Under The State Police Retirement System; And To Amend The Provisions Concerning The Tier Two Deferred Retirement Option Plan Under The State Police Retirement System.

AR SB129

To Amend The State Police Retirement System Plan Regarding Survivor Benefits; And To Declare An Emergency.

MI HB5985

Retirement: judges; naming a special needs trust as beneficiary; allow. Amends sec. 506 of 1992 PA 234 (MCL 38.2506).

MI HB4658

Retirement: judges; naming a special needs trust as beneficiary; allow. Amends sec. 506 of 1992 PA 234 (MCL 38.2506).

HI SB1083

Relating To Qualified Domestic Relations Orders.