AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

Funding keeps Arkansas teacher pensions running

For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the law funds the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System. It authorizes $1.706 billion from cash funds: $1.7 billion for non-employee benefits and $6 million for refunds and reimbursements. These payments are made by check or wire transfer. A separate Teacher Retirement Fund appropriation provides about $218.18 million for benefits, staff, and operations. That includes $180 million for benefits, $15 million for refunds and reimbursements, and $9 million for discount buyouts. The law allows up to 87 regular employees and 20 part-time or temporary workers. Temporary workers' pay cannot exceed the rates allowed for their job classifications under applicable pay laws or this act. Spending must stay within authorized funding, follow state purchasing and financial-control laws, and serve the purposes stated in budget documents. This funding supports retirement payments but does not set each person's benefit amount.