HB1157

House Bill 1157 amends the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS) to extend the age eligibility for dependent child annuity benefits from 18 to 22 years of age for children enrolled as full-time students. The bill outlines criteria for eligibility, including continuous enrollment in accredited secondary, college, university, or vocational-technical institutions, and allows for deferred enrollment under specific conditions. It also introduces provisions for the temporary suspension and subsequent reinstatement of annuities for dependent children called to active military duty or training. Furthermore, the bill clarifies eligibility and payment protocols for children of retirees who die after returning to work or disability retirees. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause, setting the effective date for July 1, 2025, to align with the start of the ATRS fiscal year.