(a)
(1) Notwithstanding any language to the contrary under this chapter, benefits attributable to employer contributions and paid under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System shall not exceed the limitations of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 415, as it existed on January 1, 2011, that are applicable to government retirement plans for employees of police and fire departments, including without limitation the dollar limitations in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 415(b)(1)(A), as it existed on January 1, 2011.
(2) If the dollar amount referenced in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 415(b)(1)(A), as it existed on January 1, 2011, is increased pursuant to regulations issued under that section, the increase shall be effective as of January 1 of the calendar year for which the regulations were effective.
(b) The annual benefits, as may be increased in subsequent years, that are paid to a retirant of the system shall not exceed the limitations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 415(b), as it existed on January 1, 2011, applicable to the annuity effective date under that section.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 415, as it existed on January 1, 2011, “compensation” is defined as set forth in United States Department of the Treasury Regulation, 26 C.F.R. § 1.415-2(d)(2), as it existed on January 1, 2011.