AR HB1160

Changes the definition of "gap year" to "gap period" and redefines it from an entire fiscal year to one-quarter (1/4) of a fiscal year for Arkansas Teacher Retirement System members

Allows members to purchase one-quarter (1/4) year of permissive service credit for each gap period, up to a maximum of five (5) years total

Requires members to have five (5) years of actual service, leave a classroom teacher position before the gap period, return to teaching afterward, and accrue at least one-half (1/2) year of service credit upon return

Members must pay the actuarial equivalent of their benefits for each quarter-year of permissive service credit purchased, with credit not established until paid in full

Declared an emergency measure effective July 1, 2025, to align with the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System's fiscal year