TO CREATE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION OF QUALIFICATION FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT BENEFITS UNDER THE ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

HB 1155 creates a new rule for Arkansas teachers in the Teacher Retirement System who are veterans. It establishes that a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) creates a "rebuttable presumption" they qualify for disability retirement benefits. This means the system will assume eligibility unless proven otherwise, alongside the existing requirement of a Social Security Administration determination. The bill directly affects veteran teachers with VA disability ratings who seek disability retirement benefits under the system. It became law as Act 223 on February 27, 2025, effective July 1, 2025.