Louisiana House Bill HB20

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/2/12
• Engrossed: 4/10/12
• Refer: 4/11/12

Caption

Provides for the payment of benefits to retired members of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. who are rehired as adjunct professors (RE INCREASE APV)

Impact

If passed, HB20 would significantly alter the landscape of reemployment for retired educators in Louisiana. By allowing adjunct professors to retain their retirement benefits, the bill seeks to reduce barriers for qualified educators returning to the classroom, ultimately supporting the state's educational system. The restriction that adjunct professors' earnings must not exceed 25% of their retirement benefits ensures a balance between providing necessary financial support while preventing any negative financial impact on the TRSL fund.

Summary

House Bill 20 (HB20) focuses on modifications to the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) by allowing certain retirees, specifically those reemployed as adjunct professors, to receive their retirement benefits while working. This proposal aims to address the shortage of educators in public postsecondary institutions by incentivizing retired teachers to return to teaching in these critical roles. Under the current law, most TRSL retirees cannot receive benefits while reemployed; however, HB20 expands the definition of 'retired teacher' to include adjunct professors while placing limitations on their earnings during this period of reemployment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB20 seems generally positive among legislators, as evidenced by the strong support reflected in the voting history—92 votes in favor compared to only 4 against during the final passage. Proponents argue that the bill will effectively utilize experienced educators to alleviate instructional shortages, particularly in higher education. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for the TRSL and the fairness of allowing one group of retirees access to benefits while restricting others.

Contention

Notably, the primary contention surrounding HB20 could arise from the limitations placed on earnings while reemployed. Discussions may question whether a 25% cap is sufficient to encourage retired teachers to return to adjunct positions or if it creates additional barriers. The bill also raises important considerations regarding the sustainability of the TRSL in managing increased employer contributions and the overall impact on educational funding in Louisiana. These points of contention highlight the balancing act between providing benefits and ensuring the long-term viability of the retirement system.