TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SURVIVOR ANNUITY BENEFITS FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN UNDER THE ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1157 extends survivor annuity benefits for dependent children of ATRS members to age 22, ensuring support for students and those with disabilities after a parent's death.

Notification that HB1157 is now Act 225

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1157 (HB 1157) aims to amend the laws governing survivor annuity benefits for dependent children under the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS). The bill seeks to extend eligibility for these benefits and clarify the conditions under which dependent children can receive annuities. An emergency clause is included to ensure the changes take effect promptly.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the existing law:

Extended Age Limit for Benefits:

The age limit for a deceased active member's child to qualify as a dependent child eligible for annuity benefits is raised from 18 years to 22 years.
Children aged 18 to 22 must be continuously enrolled as full-time students in an accredited educational institution to maintain eligibility.

Deferred Enrollment:

Dependent children who defer their enrollment in an accredited institution according to ATRS rules will still be eligible for annuity benefits during their period of deferred enrollment.

Incapacity Provisions:

Children deemed physically or mentally incapacitated by a court will remain eligible for benefits regardless of age, as long as the incapacity persists.

Military Service Considerations:

Benefits may be temporarily suspended for dependent children called to active military duty. Upon returning, they must immediately enroll as full-time students to have their benefits reinstated.

Eligibility for Children of Retirees:

The bill clarifies that a dependent child annuity is payable to each surviving child of a retiree who dies after returning to work, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Affected Parties

Dependent Children: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are dependent children of deceased active members and retirees of the ATRS, particularly those aged 18 to 22.

Arkansas Teacher Retirement System: The ATRS will need to implement these changes, which may involve administrative adjustments to accommodate the new eligibility criteria.

Procedural Aspects

Emergency Declaration: The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect on July 1, 2025, to align with the fiscal year of the ATRS.

Legislative Timeline:

Introduced on January 16, 2025.
Passed through various legislative stages, including adoption of the emergency clause and final passage on February 24, 2025.
Officially enacted as Act 225 on February 27, 2025.

Conclusion

HB 1157 represents a significant update to the survivor annuity benefits for dependent children under the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, enhancing support for young adults pursuing education after the loss of a parent. The bill's provisions aim to provide clarity and ensure that benefits are accessible to those who need them most.

Bill