Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB1278

Introduced
4/29/14  
Engrossed
5/8/14  
Refer
5/8/14  
Refer
5/8/14  
Report Pass
5/12/14  
Report Pass
5/12/14  
Refer
5/13/14  
Refer
5/13/14  
Report Pass
5/19/14  
Report Pass
5/19/14  
Enrolled
6/5/14  
Enrolled
6/5/14  
Chaptered
6/12/14  
Chaptered
6/12/14  
Passed
6/12/14  

Caption

Provides for enrollment of new hires of the Harbor Police Department of the Port of New Orleans in the Hazardous Duty Services Plan in the La. State Employees' Retirement System and for merger of the existing Harbor Police Retirement System into the La. State Employees' Retirement System (EN INCREASE APV)

Impact

The implications of HB 1278 are substantial for both the affected employees and the retirement systems involved. By merging the Harbor Police Retirement System with the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System, the bill could result in improved retirement benefits for current members while ensuring new hires receive adequate protections under a more robust retirement framework. Additionally, it seeks to simplify administrative processes and potentially reduce costs related to maintaining separate retirement plans. The bill also stipulates that current participants will retain accrued benefits while benefiting from the plans structure of the newer system.

Summary

House Bill 1278 focuses on the retirement provisions for employees of the Harbor Police Department of the Port of New Orleans. The bill proposes the merger of the Harbor Police Retirement System into the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System. This merger would create a more unified retirement system for these employees, allowing them to enroll in the Hazardous Duty Services Plan, which provides specific benefits for employees in high-risk positions. The bill aims to streamline processes, facilitate better management of retirement funds, and ensure that new hires are integrated into the updated retirement structure efficiently.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive among its supporters, who argue it will enhance retirement benefits and provide better security for Harbor Police employees. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the transition for current members and the adequacy of the benefits they will receive post-merger. The discussions indicate a strong focus on financial sustainability and the fair treatment of all members involved in the systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the adequacy of benefit protections for current members of the Harbor Police Retirement System following the merger. Questions raised involve how accrued benefits will be handled in the transition and the potential impact on new hires regarding their benefits under the Hazardous Duty Services Plan. These discussions highlight the need to ensure that existing rights aren't diminished and that all beneficiaries experience a seamless integration of their retirement plans.

Companion Bills

LA HB79

Replaces Provides for enrollment of new hires of the Harbor Police Department of the Port of New Orleans in the Hazardous Duty Services Plan in the La. State Employees' Retirement System and for administration of the Harbor Police Retirement System by the La. State Employees' Retirement System (OR INCREASE APV)

Similar Bills

LA HB61

Provides for a cash balance plan for certain state employees (EN INCREASE APV)

LA HB1337

Relative to the state retirement systems, makes changes to the benefits for persons hired on or after January 1, 2011 (EN -$13,070,780 FC EX)

LA HB22

Provides generally relative to the Harbor Police Retirement System in the city of New Orleans (EN DECREASE APV)

LA HB1174

Establishes "Hazardous Duty" and "Non-Hazardous Duty" subplans in the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System for new hires after Dec. 31, 2012 (EN DECREASE APV)

LA HB1467

Makes technical corrections to various codal provisions and provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes

LA HB569

Relative to the Harbor Police Retirement System for the port of New Orleans, makes comprehensive changes to the provisions of such system (EN INCREASE APV)

LA HB628

Provides for technical corrections to various provisions of the La. Revised Statutes, the Children's Code, and the Code of Criminal Procedure

LA HB63

Revises terminology referring to persons with disabilities and other persons with exceptionalities (EN NO IMPACT See Note)