Summary of House Bill 1276 (HB 1276)
Overview
House Bill 1276, now known as Act 413, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on January 28, 2025. The bill aims to amend existing laws regarding spousal retirement benefits for certain municipal employees, specifically targeting city attorneys, deputy city clerks, mayors, and treasurers in cities of the first and second class.
Purpose and Intent
The primary intent of HB 1276 is to provide legally recognized spouses of specific municipal employees with access to retirement benefits upon the death of their spouse. This legislation acknowledges the contributions of these employees and seeks to offer financial support to their surviving spouses.
Key Provisions
The bill introduces amendments to the Arkansas Code, specifically sections concerning retirement benefits for the following municipal positions:
City Attorneys (First and Second Class Cities)
- Spouses married for 10 years or longer may receive:
- One-half (1/2) of the retirement benefit the retired city attorney was receiving, or
- One-half (1/2) of the retirement benefit the city attorney who died in office was entitled to receive.
- Benefits cease upon the remarriage of the spouse.
Deputy City Clerks (First Class Cities)
- Similar provisions as those for city attorneys apply, allowing spouses married for 10 years or longer to receive half of the applicable retirement benefits.
- Benefits also cease upon remarriage.
Mayors (Second Class Cities)
- The same eligibility criteria and benefit structure apply, providing spouses married for 10 years or longer with access to half of the retirement benefits.
- Benefits terminate upon remarriage.
Treasurers (First Class Cities)
- The provisions mirror those for city attorneys and deputy city clerks, allowing spouses married for 10 years or longer to receive half of the retirement benefits.
- Benefits cease upon remarriage.
Affected Parties
This bill directly affects:
- Surviving spouses of city attorneys, deputy city clerks, mayors, and treasurers who meet the marriage duration requirement.
- Municipal governments in cities of the first and second class, as they will have the option to provide these benefits.
Legislative Timeline
- January 28, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
- February 25, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
- February 26, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
- March 19, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
- March 25, 2025: Notification that HB 1276 is now Act 413.
Conclusion
HB 1276 represents a significant step in enhancing the financial security of surviving spouses of certain municipal employees in Arkansas. By allowing access to retirement benefits, the legislation aims to provide necessary support during a challenging time for families affected by the loss of a loved one in public service.
