This bill amends the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to update the terminology related to the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf, reflecting their status as "former" institutions. Specifically, it modifies the credited service requirements for employees of these schools, allowing for different service credit calculations based on their employment history. For instance, it establishes that for periods prior to July 1, 1991, nine months of service will be credited as a year for employees of the former schools, while also detailing how service will be credited based on hours worked starting from July 1, 1992.

Additionally, the bill includes a contingent effectiveness clause, stating that the changes will only take effect if another bill (HB1810) is enacted. It also contains an emergency clause, emphasizing the need for these amendments to be implemented promptly to avoid disruptions in the education system due to the merger of the two schools. The emergency clause ensures that the bill will become effective immediately upon approval by the Governor or under specific conditions if the Governor does not act on it.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1344 V2 - 3-31-2025 12:28 PM: 24-4-507(a), 24-7-202(21)
Act 598: 24-4-507(a), 24-7-202(21)