Louisiana House Bill HB453

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/22/10

Caption

Relative to the La. State Employees' Retirement System, establishes the Hazardous Duty Services Plan (EG NO IMPACT APV)

Impact

The introduction of HB 453 is poised to significantly impact state retirement laws by centralizing benefits for hazardous duty personnel within a single comprehensive plan, thus potentially increasing recruitment and retention of law enforcement and related roles. This legislation aims to streamline the retirement process for those employed in potentially life-threatening situations, providing assurance through structured benefits tailored to their specific needs. The provisions for disability and survivor benefits are particularly noteworthy, ensuring that members' families are protected in the unfortunate event of duty-related fatalities or injuries.

Summary

House Bill 453 establishes the Hazardous Duty Services Plan within the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS), aimed at providing tailored retirement benefits to law enforcement personnel and other hazardous duty workers hired on or after January 1, 2011. The bill recognizes the dangerous nature of these roles, proposing that members pay an employee contribution rate of 9.5% and establishing a retirement benefit accrual rate of 3-1/3% per year of service. Eligibility criteria for retirement vary, allowing for full benefits at 25 years of service regardless of age, or 10 years at age 60, among other combinations. Furthermore, the bill provides enhanced disability and survivor benefits, especially in cases of duty-related incidents.

Sentiment

General sentiment around the bill appears positive among supporters, particularly within law enforcement communities, as it acknowledges their service's risks and establishes a framework for more significant benefits than regular plans. However, some concerns might arise over the funding of these plans and their sustainability as public employee retirement systems often face financial scrutiny. Critics could voice apprehension regarding the potential increased costs for state budgets and whether similar provisions might be extended to non-hazardous duty personnel in the future.

Contention

The notable points of contention include how the funding for the Hazardous Duty Services Plan will be sustained over time and whether the new contributions and benefits will create disparities among other state employee retirement benefits. Additionally, there may be debates on whether such differentiated benefits are warranted and if this creates a precedent for further fragmentation within state retirement systems. As legislators discuss the implications, the balancing act between adequately compensating dangerous professions while managing public funds will be pivotal.