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HB 1119

TO AMEND THE PROVISIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT PAYMENTS BY A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Hammer and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1119 ensures timely payments to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System by defining delinquency and allowing fund withholding for local governments.

Notification that HB1119 is now Act 152
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Bill Summary · HB 1119

Summary of House Bill 1119 (HB 1119)

Overview

House Bill 1119 (HB 1119) was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on January 14, 2025, and has since been enacted as Act 152. The bill aims to amend the provisions regarding delinquent payments by political subdivisions under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. An emergency clause has been included to expedite its implementation.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 1119 is to enhance the management of delinquent payments owed by political subdivisions to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. The bill seeks to ensure timely payments and improve financial security and efficiency in the administration of pension funds for municipal firemen and policemen.

Key Provisions

  • Delinquency Definition: The bill amends Arkansas Code § 24-10-410 to define delinquency more clearly. A political subdivision will be considered delinquent if it fails to make a required payment or report within ten days after the due date.

  • Certification of Delinquency: The delinquency will be certified according to rules established by the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System and reported to the Treasurer of State.

  • Withholding of Funds: The Treasurer of State is authorized to withhold all state funds due to a political subdivision until the delinquency, along with any accrued interest, is resolved.

Affected Parties

  • Political Subdivisions: Local governments and municipalities that are part of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System will be directly affected by the changes in payment requirements and the consequences of delinquency.

  • Pension Fund Beneficiaries: Municipal firemen and policemen who rely on these pension funds for their retirement benefits will benefit from improved financial management and security.

Emergency Clause and Implementation Timeline

  • The bill includes an emergency clause, which allows it to take effect on July 1, 2025. This timeline is intended to provide sufficient time for necessary programming changes and to inform covered employers about the new procedures.

Legislative Actions

  • February 25, 2025: Notification that HB 1119 is now Act 152.
  • February 20, 2025: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office.
  • February 18, 2025: The bill passed the third reading in both the House and Senate, with the emergency clause adopted.
  • February 12, 2025: The bill was read for the third time, passed, and ordered transmitted to the Senate.

Conclusion

HB 1119 represents a significant legislative change aimed at improving the management of delinquent payments within the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. By clarifying the delinquency process and allowing for the withholding of state funds, the bill seeks to ensure that pension funds are adequately supported, ultimately benefiting the public safety personnel who depend on these resources.

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

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