Request study of disposition of retirement benefits for state systems when a beneficiary is convicted of murdering the system member.
Impact
The study requested by SR266 aims to explore legislative solutions that align state policy with ethical considerations surrounding beneficiaries who are convicted of murder. Currently, Louisiana law does not allow for the forfeiture of retirement benefits in these cases, which raises questions about fairness and accountability. Should the Senate Committee on Retirement identify warranted legal changes, they would have the capacity to amend existing statutes, potentially leading to new statewide regulations that would bar such payments. This could fundamentally alter the landscape of beneficiary rights within the state's retirement systems.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 266 urges the Senate Committee on Retirement to conduct a study regarding the disposition of retirement benefits within state systems when a beneficiary is convicted of murdering the system member. The resolution emphasizes the importance of treating retirement benefits with dignity and high regard, reflecting the state's commitment to its public servants. The issue raised is significant as it deals with potential inequity: the current lack of provisions that prevent a convicted murderer from receiving benefits from a victim's retirement account could contradict the principles of justice and community values.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SR266 appears to be supportive of addressing a perceived gap in justice that allows perpetrators to benefit from their victims’ sacrifices. The legislators who championed this resolution indicate a pressing need for reform, reflecting the community's broader belief that no one should gain financially at the expense of someone else's life. As it stands, reactions to the resolution hint at a collective concern over the integrity and appropriateness of retirement benefits distribution when involved in violent crime cases.
Contention
While SR266 advocates for reform, it highlights the complexities involved in changing established practices regarding retirement benefits. Stakeholders such as the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System and other retirement agencies will need to be consulted, as their perspectives will shape the feasibility and implications of any proposed changes. Opposition could arise from concerns over the legal precedent it sets and the treatment of beneficiaries, suggesting a need for a balanced and fair approach in formulating legislation that protects both the integrity of the systems and the rights of beneficiaries.
Relative to La. public retirement systems, urges and requests the Senate Committee on Retirement and on Senate Committee Judiciary A to study the issues related to redesignating beneficiaries by retirees of such systems.
Requests a study of benefits available to the beneficiaries of a member of a state retirement system killed in the line of duty by an intentional act of violence
To Amend The Law Concerning Retirement Benefits; And To Prohibit Collection Of Benefits By Members, Retirants, Or Beneficiaries Of Retirement Systems Who Are Convicted Of Certain Offenses.
To Amend Law Concerning Retirement Benefits; And To Prohibit Collection Of Benefits By Members, Retirants, Or Beneficiaries Of Retirement Systems Who Have Been Convicted Of Certain Offenses.
Relative to La. public retirement systems, urges and requests the House and Senate committees on retirement, the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure, and the Senate committees on Judiciary A, B, or C, to study issues related to redesignating beneficiaries by retirees of such systems
Provides for benefit increases for retirees, beneficiaries, and survivors of state retirement systems and the funding therefor. (2/3-CA10s(29)(F)) (gov sig) (EN INCREASE FC SG RE)
Authorizes payment of a benefit increase, funded by state retirement system experience accounts, to certain retirees and beneficiaries of such systems (EN INCREASE APV)
Requires forfeiture of retirement benefits by any public employee or elected official who is a member of a public retirement system and is convicted of certain state or federal felony acts associated with his office. (See Act.) (OR SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE APV)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.