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HB 1268

DNR study of ground water resources.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Aylesworth and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 1268 allows Arkansas public transit authorities to join the Public Employees' Retirement System, granting their employees access to vital retirement benefits.

First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications
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Bill Summary · HB 1268

Summary of House Bill 1268: Relating to Family Leave

Overview

House Bill 1268, introduced on January 27, 2025, aims to amend existing laws to allow public transit authorities in Arkansas to become participating public employers. This change would enable their employees to join the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System (APERS). The bill has been referred to several committees, including Labor, Commerce, and Finance, and has undergone amendments in both the House and Senate.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 1268 is to expand the definition of "participating public employer" within the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System to include public transit authorities. This change is designed to enhance employee benefits for those working in public transit by allowing them access to retirement benefits that are available to other public sector employees.

Key Provisions

  • Definition Amendments: The bill amends Arkansas Code § 24-4-101 to include public transit authority employees as "nonstate employees" and allows public transit authorities to be classified as "participating public employers."
  • New Definition: A new definition for "public transit authority" is introduced, specifying it as a governmental entity formed under the Public Transit System Act that opts to participate in APERS by a majority vote of its board of directors.
  • Eligibility for Retirement Benefits: Employees of public transit authorities would be eligible to become members of APERS, thereby gaining access to retirement benefits similar to those of other public employees.

Impact

  • Employees: The bill directly affects employees of public transit authorities, providing them with access to retirement benefits that were previously unavailable.
  • Public Transit Authorities: By becoming participating employers, public transit authorities can attract and retain talent by offering competitive retirement benefits.
  • State Retirement System: The inclusion of public transit authority employees in APERS may increase the system's membership and financial contributions, potentially impacting its overall sustainability.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 27, 2025: Bill filed and referred to relevant committees.
  • March 5, 2025: The House passed the bill after amendments.
  • March 20, 2025: The Senate passed the bill with amendments, which were subsequently concurred in by the House.
  • April 3, 2025: The bill was signed into law as Act 450.

Conclusion

House Bill 1268 represents a significant step in enhancing employee benefits for public transit workers in Arkansas. By allowing these employees to participate in the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, the bill aims to improve job attractiveness and security within the public transit sector.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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