Louisiana House Bill HB83

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/14
• Refer: 4/1/14

Caption

Provides relative to the payment of health insurance premiums for certain retirees of the Hazardous Duty Services Plan in the La. State Employees' Retirement System

Impact

The implementation of HB 83 could lead to significant changes in the financial obligations of retirees under the Hazardous Duty Services Plan, allowing them to benefit from a more standardized calculation of their health insurance premiums. By removing the requirement for an increased proportion of premium payment based on retirement conditions, the bill seeks to alleviate some of the financial burdens placed on these retirees, thereby aligning their treatment with that of their peers in other state retirement plans.

Summary

House Bill 83 aims to amend the calculation of health insurance premiums for certain retirees within the Hazardous Duty Services Plan under the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS). The bill specifically targets retirees who have transferred service credit from other plans, intending to align the health insurance premium calculations for these individuals with the standard procedures utilized for other state retirees. This change is set to provide a more equitable approach to how premiums are determined and ultimately deducted from retirees' monthly benefits.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 83 appears to be supportive, particularly among current and former employees who have served in hazardous duty roles. Proponents advocate for the bill as a necessary adjustment to ensure fairness and equivalency in the treatment of all retirees. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of recognizing the unique sacrifices made by hazardous duty employees and argue that the changes introduced by the bill represent a positive step toward supporting their well-being post-retirement. However, there may be concerns about the fiscal implications of these changes for state funding and benefits administration.

Contention

While there were no major points of contention highlighted in the discussions surrounding HB 83, the potential impact on state finances could incite debate regarding the sustainability of pension systems and benefits. Critics may question how such changes could affect budgeting and future liabilities for the state's retirement system, particularly if the changes lead to increased costs. Nonetheless, the bill primarily serves to offer relief to a specific group of retirees without drastically altering the broader framework of the state's pension policy.