HB 1279 — TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISABILITY RETIREMENT UNDER THE ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

Bill Text

• HB 1279 Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends existing law regarding disability retirement under the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to clarify eligibility criteria and the process for applying for and maintaining disability retirement benefits.

• 24-7-704

  A → B

  This change modifies the language around application requirements.

• 24-7-704

  A member has six (6) calendar months from the date of his or her application for disability retirement to submit a completed application and accompanying documentation. → A member has six (6) calendar months from the date of his or her application for disability retirement to submit a completed application and accompanying documentation unless an extension is granted by the system.

  This change specifies that an extension may be granted for submitting documentation.

• 24-7-704

  If a member does not provide all accompanying documentation requested by the system within the six (6) calendar months, the system shall: → If a member does not provide all accompanying documentation requested by the system within the six (6) calendar months, the system shall withdraw the application at the request of the member unless an extension is granted by the system.

  This change clarifies the process for handling incomplete applications.

• 24-7-704

  A favorable determination letter from the Social Security Administration finding that the member is unable to perform his or her current work duties shall create a rebuttable presumption that the member qualifies to receive disability retirement benefits. → A favorable determination letter from the Social Security Administration finding that the member is unable to perform his or her work duties shall create a rebuttable presumption that the member qualifies to receive disability retirement benefits.

  This change removes redundancy and clarifies criteria for qualification.

• 24-7-704

  A If a member shall does not submit a complete disability application with the supporting documentation required by the system application within six (6) calendar months of the effective date of benefits the required documents within six (6) calendar months after the date on which the medical committee finds that the member qualifies to receive disability benefits, the member's application shall be void unless an extension has been granted by the system. → An application is void when a complete application and supporting documentation are not submitted to the system within six (6) calendar months of the effective date of benefits, unless an extension has been granted by the system.

  This change simplifies the rule regarding when an application becomes void.

• 24-7-704

  If the medical committee finds that a member is not qualified to receive disability benefits, the member may request a second review provided the member submits additional medical documentation. → If the medical committee finds that a member is not qualified to receive disability benefits, the member may request a second review provided the member submits additional medical documentation.

  This change clarifies that a second review requires additional documentation.

• 24-7-704

  A member or retirant disability retiree may continue to receive a disability retirement benefit under this section when the member or retirant disability retiree provides the system with a Social Security Administration determination letter finding the member or retirant disability retiree isdisabled unable to perform his or her work duties as described in subdivision (a)(1)(E)(iii) of this section within thirty-six (36) months from: → A member or retirant disability retiree may continue to receive a disability retirement benefit under this section when the member or retirant disability retiree provides the system with a Social Security Administration determination letter finding the member or retirant disability retiree is disabled unable to perform his or her work duties as described in subdivision (a)(1)(E)(iii) of this section within thirty-six (36) months from:

  This change corrects wording for clarity around the determination letter.

• 24-7-704

  If a disability retiree returns to covered employment before attaining sixty (60) years of age, his or her disability retirement shall terminate unless the retiree meets the requirements to return to covered employment under subsection (e) subsection (d) of this section. → If a disability retiree returns to covered employment before attaining sixty (60) years of age, his or her disability retirement shall terminate unless the retiree meets the requirements to return to covered employment under subsection (d) of this section.

  This change updates a reference in the law to correct the subsection.

Action History

1. March 02, 2021

   Notification that HB1279 is now Act 223

2. February 26, 2021

   Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's Office.

3. February 25, 2021

   TO BE ENROLLED

4. February 25, 2021

   Returned From the Senate as passed.

5. February 25, 2021

   Returned to the House as passed.

6. February 25, 2021

   Read the third time and passed.

7. February 23, 2021

   Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and placed on the calendar.

8. February 23, 2021

   Received from the House.

9. February 23, 2021

   Read the third time and passed and ordered transmitted to the Senate.

10. February 22, 2021

    Returned by the Committee Do Pass

11. January 26, 2021

    Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on PUBLIC RETIREMENT & SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS-JOINT

12. January 26, 2021

    Filed

Sponsors

• S. Smith · Primary

Votes

Subjects