Louisiana House Bill HB58

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/16
• Refer: 4/4/16
• Report Pass: 5/12/16
• Engrossed: 5/18/16
• Refer: 5/19/16
• Report Pass: 5/23/16
• Enrolled: 6/6/16
• Chaptered: 6/17/16
• Passed: 6/17/16

Caption

Provides relative to the Deferred Retirement Option Plan in the Firefighters' Pension and Relief Fund in the city of New Orleans (EN INCREASE APV)

Impact

This legislation has implications for pension management and retirement planning among firefighters in New Orleans. By allowing members to choose whether to maintain certain guarantees on their DROP accounts, the bill offers more flexibility but also places some decision-making risk on individuals. This shift potentially leads to changes in how firefighters plan for their retirement, as fluctuating interest rates will directly impact their benefits. Furthermore, the adjustment to fees could affect the net gains for participants in the program.

Summary

House Bill 58 amends the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) under the Firefighters' Pension and Relief Fund specifically for members in New Orleans. The bill establishes guidelines for managing DROP accounts, adjusting how interest is allocated and administrative fees are applied. Notably, it introduces amendments regarding how and when interest is credited to members' DROP accounts, transitioning from a one-year rate to a five-year rolling average. This aims to provide a more stable interest return for participants in the plan, offering them an option to waive certain guarantees for potentially higher returns.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 58 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers, as evidenced by its passage in the House with a unanimous vote of 89-0. This overwhelming support suggests that the amendments are seen as favorable improvements to the existing retirement offerings. However, while proponents emphasize the enhanced options and potential for better returns, some may argue that the flexibility comes with increased risk for beneficiaries who may not be fully aware of the potential impacts.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding the bill relates to the trade-off between guaranteed returns and the potential for higher yields with increased risk. Critics might be concerned that allowing members to elect for a less secure plan—where they can incur losses—might lead to confusion or financial insecurity among firefighters looking to solidify their retirement plans. As such, ample education and resources will be crucial to ensure that participants fully understand their options under the amended DROP plan.