TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN RETIRED EMPLOYEES UNDER THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.

HB 1327 modifies eligibility rules for retired state and public school employees seeking coverage under Arkansas' State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. It requires retirees to have participated in the program for at least five cumulative years before retirement to enroll, and specifies qualifying retirement systems (like the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System). The bill adds a 30-day window for active retirees to elect coverage after retirement or if they lose other health insurance due to a qualifying event (like job loss), with provisions for reinstatement under specific conditions. It also creates an "inactive retiree" category for those with 10+ years of service who separate due to fixed-term employment expiration, allowing a 31-day election period to continue coverage.