Bill > HB1322

This bill amends the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI) laws to expand benefits for line-of-duty death from occupational cancer. Specifically, the bill defines "disease" to include cancer diagnosed while an active firefighter or police officer is on duty, and provides a detailed list of specific cancers that qualify, including leukemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of various organs. The bill allows for benefits if the cancer can be linked to occupational exposure to known carcinogens, with a provision that such a finding can be rebutted by preponderance of evidence. For spouse annuities issued between November 1, 2019, and March 1, 2020, the bill adjusts benefits to the greater of 25 years of credited service or an amount equal to the annuity for each year of service. The bill includes a legislative intent clause stating that while the act is meant to have retroactive effect for certain active members, it does not require LOPFI to pay retroactive benefits. An emergency clause declares the act necessary for public safety and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, to allow time for proper administration and employer notifications.

Labor and Employment

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1322&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R