AR SB88

Allows the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to fill a vacancy in an elected trustee position through either a special election or appointment until the next system election, with the board deciding which method to use.

Authorizes the system to reimburse trustees for reasonable expenses incurred in performing their duties, including costs for substitute teachers and communication services required for paperless board meetings.

Permits trustees to attend all system committee meetings, board meetings, and official system functions without negative impact on their employment status.

Declares an emergency citing the urgent need to revise Arkansas Teacher Retirement System statutes to align with sound public pension policy and to ensure the board can appoint trustees when vacancies occur unexpectedly.