AR SB77

Repeals Arkansas Code § 24-8-215(c) and § 24-8-710(b), which previously allowed judges and justices to complete their current term after age 70 while retaining retirement benefits.

Repeals Arkansas Code § 24-8-224, which provided retirement benefits to judges or justices age 80 or older who served at least 16 years and became ineligible for retirement by serving past the mandatory retirement age.

Amends Arkansas Code § 24-8-218(c)(4)(A) to remove the "under the age of seventy" restriction, allowing judges or justices of any age receiving retirement benefits to resume those benefits upon termination of subsequent service.

Preserves a grandfather clause allowing any active judge or justice serving prior to July 1, 1965, to continue serving until any age and receive retirement benefits upon retirement.

Takes effect July 1, 2023, with an emergency declaration citing the need for actuarial conformity and proper administration aligned with the fiscal year beginning July 1.