This bill amends the laws governing survivor benefits for dependent children of members of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and the State Police Retirement System. The key change is the increase in the maximum age for a child to be considered a dependent from eighteen (18) to twenty-three (23) years. This adjustment applies until the child’s death, marriage, or attainment of the new age limit. Additionally, the bill allows for the extension of benefits for children who are deemed physically or mentally incompetent by a court or the respective retirement system's Board of Trustees, as long as the incompetency persists.

The bill also includes an emergency clause, stating that the revisions are necessary for the proper administration of benefits and to ensure the financial stability of the retirement systems. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, aligning with the fiscal calendar year. This legislative action aims to streamline support for beneficiaries and enhance the overall management of survivor benefits within the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and the State Police Retirement System.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1348 V2 - 3-12-2025 02:04 PM: 24-4-608(d), 24-6-216(d), 24-6-217(e), 24-6-411(d)
Old version HB1348 Original - 1-30-2025 04:47 PM: 24-4-608(d), 24-6-216(d), 24-6-217(e), 24-6-411(d)
HB 1348: 24-4-608(d), 24-6-216(d), 24-6-217(e), 24-6-411(d)
Act 364: 24-4-608(d), 24-6-216(d), 24-6-217(e), 24-6-411(d)