HLS 12RS-424 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 42
BY REPRESENTATIVE CHAMPAGNE
RETIREMENT BENEFITS: (Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the forfeiture
of public pension benefits by a public official upon felony conviction of certain
offenses
A JOINT RESOLUTION1
Proposing to add Article X, Section 29(G) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to provide2
relative to public retirement systems and persons in such systems; to provide for3
legislative authority with respect to the forfeiture of retirement benefits by persons4
who are convicted of certain felonies; to provide for submission of the proposed5
amendment to the electors; and to provide for related matters.6
Section 1. Be it resolved by the Legislature of Louisiana, two-thirds of the members7
elected to each house concurring, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the state of8
Louisiana, for their approval or rejection in the manner provided by law, a proposal to add9
Article X, Section 29(G) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to read as follows:10
§29. Retirement and Survivor's Benefits11
Section 29.12
* * *13
(G) Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits; Felony Convictions. Notwithstanding14
any provision of this constitution or of any home rule charter to the contrary, the15
legislature may provide for the forfeiture of benefits from a public retirement system,16
plan, or fund in this state of any person who is convicted of a felony associated with17
his service in any public office or position.18 HLS 12RS-424 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 42
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Section 2. Be it further resolved that this proposed amendment shall be submitted1
to the electors of the state of Louisiana at the statewide election to be held on November 6,2
2012.3
Section 3. Be it further resolved that on the official ballot to be used at the election,4
there shall be printed a proposition, upon which the electors of the state shall be permitted5
to vote FOR or AGAINST, to amend the Constitution of Louisiana, which proposition shall6
read as follows:7
Do you support an amendment to provide for the forfeiture of public8
retirement benefits by any public servant who is convicted of a felony9
associated with his public service? (Adds Article X, Section 29(G))10
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Champagne HB No. 42
Abstract: Authorizes the legislature to provide for the forfeiture of public retirement
benefits for any person convicted of a felony related to his public office or
employment.
Present constitution prohibits diminishing or impairing members' accrued benefits in any
state or statewide retirement system.
Proposed constitutional amendment authorizes the legislature to provide for the forfeiture
of retirement benefits by any person who is a member of a public retirement system and who
has been convicted of a felony related to his office.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election
to be held Nov. 6, 2012.
(Adds Const. Art. X, §29(G))