Louisiana House Bill HB404

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 6/6/11
• Engrossed: 6/13/11
• Report Pass: 6/19/11
• Enrolled: 6/20/11
• Chaptered: 6/29/11
• Passed: 6/29/11

Caption

Provides for the purchase of credit for certain federal service (EN INCREASE APV)

Impact

By allowing federal service to count towards state retirement benefits, HB404 could encourage more individuals to consider state employment after working for the federal government. The bill specifies that credit is granted only upon the full payment of the actuarial cost, which suggests a financial implication both for the state’s retirement system and the individuals seeking to purchase this credit. This may incentivize stable long-term employment within the state's workforce and improve retention of experienced employees with diverse backgrounds.

Summary

House Bill 404 establishes a framework within the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LSERS) that allows qualifying members to purchase credit for service time spent in federal employment. Specifically, the bill enables active members with at least one year of service in LSERS to obtain service credit for any period during which they contributed to a retirement plan for federal employees. This legislative change is crucial as it acknowledges and values the service of individuals who transitioned from federal employment to state service, potentially enhancing their retirement benefits.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB404 appears to be positive, with support from various stakeholders considering it a fair recognition of federal service time. By broadening the eligibility for service credit, the bill aligns with principles of fairness and equity in public retirement systems. However, it also raises questions about the sustainability of the retirement fund, as increased service credit may lead to larger payouts in the future, which will need to be managed carefully to avoid fiscal challenges.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB404 may arise from discussions of its financial implications. Critics could argue about the potential long-term impact on the retirement system's solvency, particularly if a significant number of members choose to purchase additional service credit. Additionally, ensuring that the process for applying and paying for this credit is straightforward and does not impose an undue burden on members will likely be a focus area. The balance between enhancing employee benefits and maintaining fiscal responsibility will be a central theme in future discussions about this bill.