Louisiana Senate Bill SB21

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 3/26/12
• Engrossed: 3/29/12
• Refer: 4/2/12
• Refer: 5/15/12
• Refer: 5/16/12
• Report Pass: 5/21/12
• Enrolled: 6/3/12
• Chaptered: 6/15/12
• Passed: 6/15/12

Caption

Constitutional amendment to provide for prefiling and notice deadlines for bills affecting public retirement systems. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (EN INCREASE FC GF EX)

Impact

If passed, SB21 would alter the current legislative framework in Louisiana by imposing these new deadlines, effectively restructuring how bills affecting public retirement systems are introduced. This amendment would likely help ensure more transparency and public awareness prior to the introduction of potentially impactful legislation on public retirement systems. The law aims to prevent last-minute surprises in legislation that could affect public employees and their retirement benefits, thus fostering a more informed legislative environment.

Summary

Senate Bill 21 (SB21) proposes amendments to the Louisiana Constitution, specifically targeting the legislative process for public retirement system laws. The bill aims to establish stricter deadlines for the prefiling of retirement-related legislation, mandating that such proposals be submitted no later than 45 days before a regular legislative session. Additionally, it requires that public notice be completed regarding the introduction of such legislation at least 60 days in advance. These changes are intended to provide adequate time for review and discussion before retirement legislation is presented to the legislature.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB21 appears to be largely supportive among proponents who advocate for increased notice and preparedness in legislative processes concerning public retirement issues. Supporters believe these changes will create a better framework for discussing and vetting retirement legislation. However, some may view the new constraints as restrictive, questioning whether they would impede necessary reforms by overly complicating the introduction of legitimate changes to the retirement system.

Contention

Debate around SB21 has revolved around concerns related to the balance between efficiency and Transparency. Critics might argue that while the proposed notice and prefiling requirements aim to improve oversight, they could also hinder timely responses to urgent legislative needs regarding public retirement systems. Legislators must navigate the tension between ensuring ample notice to stakeholders and the need for flexibility to address pressing issues quickly.