Bill > HB1313

This bill expands health benefit coverage for certain firefighter retirees in municipalities and counties by amending existing Arkansas law. Specifically, the bill adds "firefighter" alongside "police officer" throughout the statute, creating a new definition for "eligible firefighter retiree" that includes full-time or part-time paid firefighters who meet specific retirement criteria. To qualify, a firefighter must be eligible to retire with full retirement benefits through various systems like the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System, have a minimum of five to twenty-eight years of service depending on age, and not be eligible for Medicare. The bill allows eligible firefighter retirees to participate in municipal or county health benefit plans after retirement, with a 60-day guaranteed enrollment period. Retirees will pay premiums determined by the municipality or county, and dependents can also participate in the health plan. Additionally, in the event of a retiree's death, surviving spouses and dependent children can continue to participate in the health benefit plan under certain conditions. This legislation aims to provide healthcare coverage options for retired firefighters similar to those already available for retired police officers.

Labor and Employment

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1313&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R