This bill amends the laws concerning 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 of age. 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 physically or mentally incompetent, as determined by a court or the Board of Trustees, for as long as the incompetency exists.

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 of the retirement systems. This legislative action aims to streamline support for beneficiaries and enhance the overall management of survivor benefits.

Statutes affected:
HB 1348: 24-4-608(d), 24-6-216(d), 24-6-217(e), 24-6-411(d)