The bill titled "Creating an Investment Opportunity for Early Childhood Workers Act of 2025" aims to provide a voluntary mechanism for early childhood workers to participate in the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System without requiring state funds for matching contributions. The legislative intent emphasizes the importance of allowing early childhood workers, defined as those providing education or supervision in licensed childcare facilities, to have the option to join the retirement system. The bill also specifies that participation is not mandatory and that early childhood workers will not receive state contributions or matching funds.

To facilitate this participation, the bill establishes a single nonprofit fiscal agent approved by the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to act as a pass-through for contributions. The bill amends existing definitions within the Arkansas Code to include early childhood workers and outlines the conditions under which they may participate in the retirement system. Additionally, it mandates that the Board promulgate rules for the implementation of these provisions, ensuring a structured approach to integrating early childhood workers into the retirement system.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB148 V2 - 3-12-2025 10:10 AM: 24-7-202(21)
Act 587: 24-7-202(21)