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 specifies that participation is not mandatory and that early childhood workers will not receive state contributions or matching funds.

Additionally, the bill amends the definition of "employment with a school" to include early childhood workers and establishes a framework for their participation in the retirement system through a nonprofit fiscal agent approved by the Board of Trustees. The board is tasked with creating rules for the implementation of this section, ensuring that the process aligns with existing regulations while expanding retirement benefits to early childhood educators.

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