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HB 1068

TO INCLUDE EMPLOYEES OF A METROPOLITAN PORT AUTHORITY IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ARKANSAS EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark McElroy and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1068 expands Arkansas Employees' Retirement System to include metropolitan port authority employees, enhancing their retirement benefits and financial security.

Notification that HB1068 is now Act 311
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1068

Summary of House Bill 1068 (Act 311)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1068 aims to expand the membership of the Arkansas Employees' Retirement System (AERS) to include employees of metropolitan port authorities. This legislative change is intended to provide retirement benefits to a broader range of public employees, thereby enhancing their financial security and retirement options.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important amendments to existing Arkansas law:

  1. Definition Updates:

    • Nonstate Employees: The definition of "nonstate employees" in Arkansas Code § 24-4-101(28) is amended to explicitly include metropolitan port authority employees among other public employees.
    • Participating Public Employer: The definition of "participating public employer" in Arkansas Code § 24-4-101(30)(A) is updated to recognize metropolitan port authorities as entities whose employees can participate in the AERS.

  2. New Definition:

    • A new definition for "metropolitan port authority" is added to Arkansas Code § 24-4-101, clarifying its status under the Metropolitan Port Authority Act of 1961.

Who is Affected?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are employees of metropolitan port authorities in Arkansas. By including them in the AERS, these employees will gain access to retirement benefits similar to those available to other public sector employees, such as county and municipal workers.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: December 17, 2024
  • Amendment Adopted: March 5, 2025
  • Passed by House: March 6, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: March 11, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: March 12, 2025
  • Notification of Act: March 18, 2025 (now known as Act 311)

Conclusion

House Bill 1068 represents a significant step in expanding retirement benefits to a previously excluded group of public employees in Arkansas. By including metropolitan port authority employees in the Arkansas Employees' Retirement System, the bill aims to enhance their retirement security and align their benefits with those of other public sector workers.

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

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