Louisiana House Bill HB60

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13
• Report Pass: 4/29/13

Caption

Relative to state and statewide retirement systems, prohibits certain members who are reemployed after retirement from receiving retirement benefits or accruing additional benefits (OR DECREASE APV)

Impact

The implications of HB 60 are twofold. On one hand, it is expected to yield cost savings for the state by reducing the actuarial present value of future retirement benefit payments, which could alleviate some fiscal pressure on state and statewide retirement systems. With retirees unable to combine pension income with employment salaries, the likelihood of individuals continuing to draw pensions while working will diminish. As a consequence, existing retired individuals will not be affected, meaning those who retired before the cut-off date will continue to receive their benefits unimpeded.

Summary

House Bill 60 (HB 60) proposes significant changes to the reemployment provisions for members of state and statewide retirement systems in Louisiana. Specifically, it mandates the suspension of retirement benefits for those who retire on or after July 1, 2013, and subsequently become reemployed in qualifying positions. During this reemployment period, retirees will not receive any benefits or accrue additional service credits related to their retirement plans. This represents a shift from the current law that allows retirees to collect pensions alongside earning a salary in state jobs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 60 appears to be mixed, with proponents likely arguing that it ensures fiscal responsibility and disincentives premature retirements influenced by the ability to supplement income post-retirement. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential disincentives for future retirees who may feel pressured to delay retirement out of fear of losing their benefits. The sentiment among advocates for retired workers’s rights could be negative due to the perceived loss of financial security for individuals wishing to return to work without sacrificing their pensions.

Contention

Debate around HB 60 likely touches upon issues of employee rights and the sustainability of state retirement systems. Critics may argue that the bill restricts retirees' ability to rejoin the workforce, despite their capability and willingness to contribute to public service without burdening state resources. Proponents of the bill would assert that controlling the draw on retirement funds is essential for the health of the retirement systems, particularly in safeguarding benefits for existing retirees and ensuring future solvency.