Criminal Penalties for Retirement Benefit Fraud (ATRS Monitoring)

Increases the criminal penalties for making a "material false statement or representation" to ATRS or any other state retirement system for the purpose of obtaining or modifying a benefit. 

Allow ATRS Payments to Special Needs Trust (ATRS Monitoring)

Allows ATRS to pay benefits owed to a disabled surviving child or spouse or a disabled beneficiary to a Special Needs Trust set up on behalf of the survivor or beneficiary. Such trusts are established to protect the survivor or beneficiary's eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other disability programs. The bill was initially filed as a shell bill, and House Amendment 1 added in the substantive text.

Restrictions on Investments in China (ATRS Monitoring)

Prohibits ATRS and other public retirement systems from investing in Chinese companies and requires divestment of certain existing investments in Chinese companies. 

Removing Minority Qualifications for ATRS Board (ATRS Monitoring)

Removes requirement to have minority board members on certain state boards and commissions, including the ATRS Board of Trustees. Under current law, ATRS Board Position #8 is reserved for minority ATRS members. If this bill passes, any active or retired ATRS member would be eligible to run for position #8 when it comes open in 2027. This bill would not affect the term of our current Board member in position #8. 

Forfeiture of Retirement for Convicted Public Officials (ATRS Monitoring)

Forfeits the retirement benefits of any elected public official who is convicted of a crime that would make them ineligible to hold office. The bill would apply only to members who join ATRS after the bill's effective date.