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HB 1348

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SURVIVOR BENEFITS FOR THE DEPENDENT CHILD OF A MEMBER OF THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OR A MEMBER OF THE STATE POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Hammer and 2 co-sponsors

Arkansas law immediately modifies dependent child survivor benefits for public employees and state police retirees, effective upon Governor's signature as Act 364.

Notification that HB1348 is now Act 364
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Bill Summary · HB 1348

Legislative bill overview

HB 1348 modifies the survivor benefits rules for dependent children of members in Arkansas's two major public employee retirement systems (APERS and State Police Retirement System). The bill has been enacted into law as Act 364, with an emergency clause indicating immediate implementation rather than a delayed effective date.

Why is this important

This affects thousands of public employees and their families by changing what financial protections dependent children receive if a parent dies while employed by the state or in state law enforcement. The emergency clause suggests the legislature deemed this change urgent enough to bypass standard waiting periods, potentially indicating either a correction of an inequity or a response to an immediate policy concern.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of public bill text details: The legislative summary doesn't specify whether benefits are being expanded (more generous) or restricted (less generous), making it unclear whether this helps or disadvantages survivors
  • Emergency clause justification: The stated reason for emergency implementation isn't provided in available records, raising questions about what urgency warranted bypassing normal procedures
  • Scope of changes: Without knowing the specific amendments, it's unclear whether this applies to all dependent children, certain age groups only, or specific circumstances (e.g., remarriage of surviving spouse)

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

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