WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 153

Summary of Senate Bill 153 (SB 153)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 153 (SB 153) aims to amend various provisions of Title 24 of the Arkansas Code, specifically concerning the payment of retirement benefits to city officials. The bill seeks to clarify and standardize the processes for retirement benefit payments to ensure consistency across different city roles.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several amendments to existing laws regarding retirement benefits for various city officials, including:

  1. City Attorneys:

    • Payments of retirement benefits will be made monthly from the city's general fund.

  2. City Clerks and Clerk-Treasurers:

    • Retirement pay will be sourced from the city's general fund account.

  3. Deputy City Clerks:

    • Retirement pay will be provided from the general fund account, contingent upon appropriation by the city's governing body.

  4. Mayors of First-Class Cities:

    • Monthly retirement payments will be made from the city’s general fund.

  5. Treasurers of First-Class Cities:

    • Retirement pay will be disbursed from the general fund upon approval by the city’s governing body.

  6. Recorder-Treasurers and City Treasurers of Second-Class Cities:

    • Similar to other officials, retirement pay will be sourced from the city’s general fund account.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects city officials in Arkansas, including:
- City attorneys
- City clerks and clerk-treasurers
- Deputy city clerks
- Mayors of first-class cities
- Treasurers of first-class cities
- Recorder-treasurers and city treasurers of second-class cities

These amendments will impact how retirement benefits are administered and funded for these officials, ensuring that payments are made consistently and transparently.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Status: Re-referred to the Committee on Public Retirement & Social Security Programs and Joint Committee on Judiciary (CPN, JDC).
  • Legislative Actions:
    • The bill has undergone multiple readings and amendments, with significant actions including:
    • April 14, 2025: Notification that SB 153 is now Act 588.
    • April 9, 2025: Reported correctly enrolled and ordered delivered to the Governor.
    • April 8, 2025: Passed in the House and returned to the Senate.
    • April 3, 2025: Recommended for passage by the committee.
    • March 31, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted and the bill re-referred for further consideration.

Conclusion

SB 153 is a legislative effort to streamline and clarify the retirement benefits process for various city officials in Arkansas. By standardizing payment procedures, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of retirement benefits administration at the municipal level.

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

Sign in to ask a question.