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Legislative Changes from 2011 Session

The 2011 session of the Arizona Legislature enacted the following changes in the ASRS for current and future members: 

ü      Contribution rate  was changed from historic 50/50% split to 53% for employee and 47% for employer.

ü      Employee must have 10 years of credited service before initiating a service purchase.  Also, the amount of service is limited to 60 months per type of service.  (except forfeited service)

ü      Long Term Disability must be initiated within 12 months of the date of disability and it may be suspended if member refuses to provide requested information ( i.e. medical or social security payment).

ü      ASRS members convicted or pleading no contest to a Class 1 through 5 felony committed in the course of employment are subject to forfeiture of their pension benefit by order of court.

ü      Members hired after July 1, 2011, may retire with full benefits at age 60 and 25 years of service or age 55 with 30 years of service.

ü      Beginning in July 1, 2012, employers will be required to pay an Alternative Contribution Rate (ACR) for members who return to work in any capacity and in a position filled by an employee of the employer.