This bill aims to create a rebuttable presumption of qualification for disability retirement benefits under the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System for members who have a service-connected total and permanent disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The current law is amended to remove the requirement of a favorable determination letter from the Social Security Administration as the sole basis for this presumption. Instead, the bill introduces a new provision that allows for a rebuttable presumption if the member submits either a favorable determination letter from the Social Security Administration or a service-connected disability rating indicating a 100% permanent and total disability from the Veterans Affairs.

Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, stating the necessity for immediate revisions to the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to address administrative complexities and ensure compliance with sound public pension policy. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aligning with the fiscal year of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, to facilitate proper administration and protect member benefits.

Statutes affected:
HB 1155: 24-7-704(a)