Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB744

Introduced
3/18/24  
Introduced
3/18/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Report Pass
4/8/24  
Engrossed
5/1/24  
Refer
5/6/24  
Refer
5/6/24  
Report Pass
5/20/24  
Report Pass
5/20/24  
Refer
5/21/24  
Refer
5/21/24  
Enrolled
6/2/24  
Enrolled
6/2/24  
Chaptered
6/11/24  
Passed
6/11/24  

Caption

Provides relative to part-time reemployment of retirees in the Municipal Employees' Retirement System (EN INCREASE APV)

Impact

This bill will have direct implications on retirees' financial planning and the viability of returning to the workforce without penalty, particularly for those who may wish to supplement their retirement income. The expiration date of provisions stipulated by the bill is set for June 30, 2028, which indicates that lawmakers may need to revisit this legislation to evaluate its effectiveness or make adjustments based on observed outcomes within the retirement framework.

Summary

House Bill 744 amends the existing regulations surrounding the reemployment of retirees within the Municipal Employees' Retirement System in Louisiana. The primary focus of the bill is to clarify how retirement benefits are handled for retirees who return to work in part-time roles. Specifically, the legislation stipulates that retirees who have thirty years or less of service and whose earnings exceed a certain threshold will face a reduction in their retirement benefits equal to the amount that their earnings exceed their retirement benefit. Conversely, those with more than thirty years of service or who are over the age of sixty will not see any reduction in benefits regardless of their reemployment earnings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 744 appeared to be largely positive, with discussions indicating a favorable view among legislators regarding the bill's intention to encourage retirees to return to the workforce without significant financial penalties. The unanimous vote (95-0) in the House suggests broad bipartisan support, highlighting a shared belief in the need for flexible retirement arrangements that acknowledge the growing trend of retirees seeking part-time employment.

Contention

While the details of the bill were generally well-received, potential areas of contention could arise in future discussions surrounding the thresholds for benefit reductions and their adequacy in addressing the financial realities faced by retirees. There may also be concerns about the potential implications for younger employees within the system who seek full-time positions, as this legislation alters the dynamics of how retirees' reemployment is accounted in terms of workforce supply and demand.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB18

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)

LA HB34

Provides relative to the funding deposit account for Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System and authorizes the board of trustees of the system to modify employer contributions (EN SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE FC)

LA HB37

Provides relative to the board of trustees of the Firefighters' Retirement System (EN INCREASE FC SG EX)

LA HB44

Provides relative to the board of trustees of the Firefighters' Retirement System (EN NO IMPACT APV)

LA HB148

Provides relative to supplemental pay for municipal or parish fire department employees (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB456

Provides relative to the duration of unemployment compensation benefits and creates the job and reemployment act (OR +$318,306 GF EX See Note)

LA HB190

Provides relative to employee benefit plans preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974

LA HCR69

Requests the House Committee on Retirement and the Senate Retirement Committee to study future benefit options for employees

LA HB589

Provides relative to the Judges' Supplemental Compensation Fund (OR INCREASE SD EX See Note)

LA HB345

Provides relative to the Pointe Coupee Parish Retired Employees Insurance Fund

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.