Arkansas Passes AARP-Backed Bills to Support Veterans

En español | We’re thrilled that Arkansas lawmakers and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders approved a series of bills to support military veterans in the state.

One bill allows veterans with smaller pensions to keep more of their retirement pay. Although military retirement pay is tax-exempt in Arkansas, veterans who claimed the military exemption could not take advantage of the state’s $6,000 exemption on other retirement income, such as IRA distributions. Under the new law, veterans will be able to take both exemptions up to $6,000, leveling the playing field for those whose military pensions are less than that amount.

State lawmakers also passed a bill to clarify eligibility for the Arkansas disabled veterans property tax exemption and to establish June 12 as a day to honor women veterans. The governor recently signed all three measures.

“AARP Arkansas has strong ties to Arkansas veterans,” said Maria Hoskins, AARP Arkansas advocacy and outreach director. “That was most evident this legislative session when our veterans team members stood shoulder to shoulder with lawmakers to protect and promote items of concern to those who serve.”

Advocating for veterans’ issues in state capitals is just one way AARP is fighting to help veterans and their families. In Congress, we’re backing legislation that would expand veterans’ choices for long-term care. Last year, we launched the AARP Veterans Fraud Center to protect veterans and their loved ones from scammers, and a digital tool to help veterans navigate military benefits.

Our Veterans Resources hub features a veterans-specific job board, a caregiving guide, free career and resume-writing guidance and more. 

Read more about how AARP is fighting for veterans, and keep up with our advocacy work in Arkansas and in your state.