TO AMEND THE LAWS UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM CONCERNING LINE-OF-DUTY DEATH FROM OCCUPATIONAL CANCER; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

HB 1322 expands death benefits for police and firefighters who die from specific occupational cancers while on duty. It amends Arkansas retirement law to include leukemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, and other cancers linked to firefighting or police work - particularly those diagnosed during active service and tied to workplace carcinogen exposure. Surviving spouses now qualify for adjusted annuities based on 25 years of service (or their standard benefit), whichever is greater, for deaths occurring after November 2019. The bill declares an emergency to ensure timely implementation by July 1, 2025, without requiring retroactive payments for past cases.