AR SB85

Clarifies the definition of "eligible inactive retiree" under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program to mean former General Assembly members or state-elected constitutional officers who have served sufficient years for retirement eligibility but have not yet reached retirement age.

Requires eligible inactive retirees to have participated in the program for at least 5 cumulative years before retirement to qualify for enrollment and mandates they pay the entire premium cost for their selected plan option.

Modifies retiree eligibility requirements by clarifying that state and public school employee retirees must have participated in the program for at least 5 cumulative years before retirement to continue coverage.

Adds provisions allowing inactive retirees who decline initial participation due to other employer coverage to re-enroll if they experience a qualifying loss of eligibility, requiring proof of prior 5-year participation within 30 days of coverage loss.

Does not apply to public school or state employees employed on the effective date of the act and declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon Governor approval.