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Bill Summary · HB 1348

Summary of House Bill 1348: Relating to Public Lands

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 1348
- Title: Relating to Public Lands
- Status: Act 225, effective June 25, 2025
- Introduced: January 30, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: BLNR, Public Lands, Public Lottery, Recreation-Residence Use Leases

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1348 aims to amend existing laws concerning survivor benefits for dependent children of members of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and the State Police Retirement System. The bill seeks to extend the age limit for receiving survivor benefits and streamline the process for beneficiaries.

Key Provisions

  1. Extension of Age Limit for Benefits:

    • The age limit for a dependent child to receive survivor benefits is raised from 18 years to 23 years.
    • This extension applies until the child’s death, marriage, or attainment of 23 years, whichever occurs first.

  2. Educational Continuation:

    • Benefits will continue for children who are full-time students at accredited secondary schools or institutions of higher education until they reach 23 years of age.
    • This provision ensures that educational pursuits do not interrupt the benefits.

  3. Incompetency Clause:

    • The age limit will also be extended for children deemed physically or mentally incompetent by an Arkansas court or the Board of Trustees of the respective retirement systems, as long as the incompetency persists.

  4. Verification of Enrollment:

    • The Board of Trustees is authorized to establish rules for verifying the enrollment of dependent children in educational institutions to ensure compliance with the new provisions.

Affected Parties

  • Dependent Children: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the dependent children of members of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and the State Police Retirement System.
  • Retirement Systems: The Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and the State Police Retirement System will need to adjust their administrative processes to accommodate the changes in benefits.

Procedural Aspects

  • Emergency Clause: The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect on July 1, 2025, to align with the fiscal calendar of the retirement systems.
  • Legislative Journey: The bill was introduced on January 30, 2025, and underwent several readings and amendments before being passed and signed into law as Act 225 on June 25, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 1348 represents a significant update to the laws governing survivor benefits for dependent children of public employees and state police officers in Arkansas. By extending the age limit and providing provisions for educational continuity and incompetency, the bill aims to enhance support for beneficiaries during critical life stages.

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

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