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Bill

Bill

HB 1349

RELATING TO MEDICAID.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 1349 aimed to amend Arkansas Teacher Retirement System benefits, impacting teachers' retirement planning and financial sustainability, but it died in committee.

The committee(s) on HHS deleted the measure from the public hearing scheduled on 03-17-25 1:00PM; CR 225 & Videoconference.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1349

Summary of House Bill 1349

Bill Number: HB 1349
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Benefits Under the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 30, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1349 was introduced with the intent to amend existing laws governing benefits under the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS). The bill aimed to update and clarify provisions related to retirement benefits for teachers in Arkansas, ensuring that the system remains effective and equitable for its members.

Key Provisions

While the specific amendments proposed in HB 1349 are not detailed in the provided text, the general purpose indicates that the bill sought to:

  • Revise Benefit Structures: Adjust the current framework of benefits provided to teachers under the ATRS.
  • Clarify Eligibility Requirements: Potentially redefine who qualifies for certain benefits, which could impact both current and future retirees.
  • Enhance Financial Sustainability: Address any financial concerns related to the long-term viability of the retirement system.

The bill included provisions for stricken language (to be deleted) and underlined language (to be added), indicating specific changes to the existing law, although these details were not provided in the summary.

Affected Parties

The primary stakeholders affected by HB 1349 would include:

  • Teachers and Educators: Current and future members of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System who rely on these benefits for their retirement planning.
  • School Districts: Local educational institutions that may need to adjust their financial planning based on changes to retirement benefits.
  • State Government: The Arkansas General Assembly and relevant state agencies responsible for administering the ATRS.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 30, 2025: HB 1349 was filed for consideration.
  • February 3, 2025: The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on House Journal; Engrossed and Enrolled Bills.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not advance for further consideration or voting.

Conclusion

House Bill 1349 represented an effort to amend the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to better serve its members. However, the bill ultimately did not progress through the legislative process and was not enacted. The implications of such amendments remain a topic of interest for educators and policymakers concerned with retirement benefits in Arkansas.

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

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