This week saw committee approval of two bills that we have been monitoring for their effect on ATRS. The Governor's bill on investments in China, HB1352, passed out of the House State Agencies Committee and is headed to the House floor. I am still expecting one minor amendment to be made, but I don't yet know if that will happen before the House votes, or if it will happen after the bill goes to the Senate. We will continue to closely monitor that bill.

HB1365, which would remove the requirement that ATRS and other boards and commissions have minority members, passed out of the Senate State Agencies Committee on Tuesday. But on Thursday, the sponsor asked the Senate to send the bill back to the House for an amendment. I don't yet know what the amendment will do, but we will be watching this bill closely.

This week the Senate also approved HB1347 which would allow ATRS to make payments to Special Needs Trusts set up on behalf of members' beneficiaries. I expect the Governor will sign the bill next week. 

One other bill affecting teacher retirement is now active. Back in January, Sen. Jane English filed a shell bill concerning ATRS membership, SB148. This week she amended that bill to add in the substance. The amended bill expands ATRS membership by allowing certain early childhood education employees to participate in ATRS. These employees would participate in ATRS on the same terms, and with the same contribution rates, as our existing members. Eligibility would extend only to employees of early childhood providers that are licensed and accredited by the state and that receive state or federal child care funding.

I do not believe this bill would harm ATRS or its members. In general, it is a good thing financially for our membership to grow. Including these additional members would not take anything away from our other members, especially since they would have to pay their own way by meeting the same contribution requirements. So, for the time being, ATRS is neutral on this legislation. We will continue to monitor it and assist legislators in their consideration of the bill.

The Joint Public Retirement Committee was scheduled to meet this week, but they had to cancel because the Senate session that day was running long, and so the Senate members were unable to come. The Committee is scheduled to meet again Tuesday. Other than possibly SB148, I do not expect them to consider any teacher retirement bills.

If you have questions about how a bill may impact ATRS, or if you are concerned about something ATRS is proposing, please reach out to me at the email address or phone number below.

Also, if you are receiving this email as a forward and would like to be added to the distribution list, you can subscribe to these legislative updates here.

Mark White
ATRS Executive Director
MarkW@artrs.gov
Office: (501) 621-8853
Cell: (501) 541-2057