HB1322

House Bill 1322 amends Arkansas law concerning the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI) to address line-of-duty deaths caused by occupational cancer. The bill explicitly defines 'cancer' to include various specific types of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and others, as well as cancers statistically linked to firefighting when connected to occupational carcinogen exposure. It establishes that a diagnosis of such cancer while in the line of duty qualifies as a personal injury or disease for the purpose of retirement death benefits. The bill also includes a provision to adjust specific spouse annuities for deaths occurring between November 2019 and March 2020 to ensure fairer benefit calculations based on credited service. While the bill includes a retroactive intent regarding these specific adjustments, it clarifies that it does not require the retirement system to pay retroactive benefits. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause, setting an effective date of July 1, 2025, to allow for administrative preparation and employer notification.