Provides relative to premium costs for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office. (7/1/18)
Impact
The enactment of SB 120 is expected to have a positive impact on retired law enforcement personnel within Vermilion Parish by easing the burden of healthcare costs. Specifically, the bill will require the sheriff's general fund to pay either 50% or 100% of premium costs for health insurance, depending on the retiree's years of service. This translates to significant financial relief for many retired officers and their families, securing better access to healthcare and reducing potential financial distress due to medical expenses.
Summary
Senate Bill 120, introduced by Senator Perry, aims to provide specific provisions related to the payment of insurance premium costs for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office. Under this bill, the sheriff's office is mandated to cover a portion of the insurance premiums for eligible retirees, thus providing real and financial benefits to those who have served in law enforcement within the parish. The bill delineates eligibility criteria based on years of service and age at retirement, ensuring that long-serving officers receive adequate support post-retirement.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 120 is positive, particularly among law enforcement communities and retirees. The support for the bill is evident in the unanimous passing vote of 88 to 0 in the House, reflecting a strong consensus on the importance of taking care of retired law enforcement members. The willingness to provide these benefits signals recognition of the sacrifices and service provided by these individuals during their careers.
Contention
While the bill appears to be well-received, concerns may arise regarding the long-term budgetary implications for the sheriff's general fund. The potential increased financial responsibility for the sheriff's office could raise questions about future funding and resource allocation, especially in a context where law enforcement budgets are already under scrutiny in various jurisdictions. This aspect may require monitoring to ensure that funding for essential law enforcement operations does not become adversely affected.
Provides relative to payment of group insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. (8/1/15)
Provides with respect to the payment of insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office. (7/1/14) (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Provides with respect to payment of insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office (EN -$69,505 LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to payment of insurance premiums for certain sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to payment of group insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Winn Parish Sheriff's Office (EN +$23,297 LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to payment of insurance premiums for certain sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Provides relative to payment of insurance premiums for certain sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)