Louisiana Senate Bill SB6

Louisiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Refer: 2/28/25
• Refer: 4/14/25
• Report Pass: 4/22/25
• Engrossed: 4/28/25
• Refer: 4/29/25
• Report Pass: 5/15/25
• Enrolled: 5/28/25
• Chaptered: 6/4/25
• Passed: 6/4/25

Caption

Establishes an exception to suspension of retirement benefits for court reporters who are reemployed by judicial districts or parishes where a critical shortage exists. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE FC SG EX)

Impact

If enacted, SB6 would have a direct impact on the Parochial Employees' Retirement System, particularly regarding the reemployment of retired court reporters. The bill stipulates that employers must certify a critical shortage and notify the retirement system about the employment and earnings of reemployed court reporters. This mechanism is designed to ensure accountability and transparency while attempting to alleviate the shortage of skilled court reporters within the state’s judicial system.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 6 aims to establish an exception to the suspension of retirement benefits for court reporters who are reemployed by judicial districts or parishes facing a critical shortage of qualified personnel. Specifically, this bill allows court reporters who have retired and are aged 65 or older to return to active service without their retirement benefits being suspended during their reemployment. The intent of the bill is to address staffing shortages within the judicial system by encouraging retired court reporters to re-enter the workforce where their expertise is urgently needed.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB6 appears to be generally positive among proponents who believe that it will solve pressing staffing issues faced by judicial districts. Supporters emphasize the necessity of accessing experienced personnel to maintain the efficiency of court operations. However, there may also be some concerns regarding the potential implications for younger professionals entering the field, as the reemployment of retirees could limit opportunities for new court reporters.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise regarding the application of the bill's provisions. While the intent is clear—to bolster the number of available court reporters—the requirement for employers to advertise vacancies and certify shortages could lead to uneven implementation across different districts. Critics might argue that this could create barriers to reemployment or that the criteria for defining a 'critical shortage' could be manipulated. Ensuring that the law benefits judicial operations without stifling opportunities for new entrants into the profession will be key.