(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for forfeiture of public retirement benefits by certain persons who are convicted of felony acts associated with their positions (OR NO IMPACT APV)
Impact
If passed, HB143 would significantly alter the landscape of public retirement benefits in Louisiana. Currently, the constitution protects the accrued retirement benefits of public employees, preventing any reduction or impairment in these benefits. This bill seeks to amend that provision, establishing grounds for the loss of benefits if individuals are convicted of felonies directly tied to their official duties. As a consequence, it is expected to deter unethical behavior among public officials and promote integrity within governmental positions.
Summary
House Bill 143 (HB143) proposes a constitutional amendment that allows the forfeiture of public retirement benefits for individuals who are convicted of felonies related to their public service. The bill is designed to hold public servants accountable and ensure that those who engage in misconduct do not benefit financially from their positions. The proposed amendment would add Article X, Section 29(F) to the Louisiana Constitution, thereby granting the legislature the authority to implement this forfeiture in a more direct manner.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB143 appears to be largely supportive among those advocating for accountability in public office. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure that elected officials are held responsible for their actions and that taxpayers are not burdened by funding the pensions of those who commit felonies. However, opponents may raise concerns about due process and fairness, questioning the implications this may have on public servants who are accused but not convicted or those who might face wrongful accusations.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB143 include the potential risk of misuse of this amendment for political gain and the question of its retroactive application. Critics could argue that while the intent is to enhance ethical standards in public office, it could lead to unintended consequences, including the loss of benefits for officials who might be targeted for political reasons. As a constitutional amendment, it must be presented to the voters for approval, making the outcome reliant on public perception of the bill's fairness and necessity.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for forfeiture of retirement benefits by public officials and employees who are convicted of felony acts associated with their positions (OR NO IMPACT APV)
A Constitutional Amendment to provide for forfeiture of retirement benefits by public officials and employees who are convicted of felony acts associated with their positions. (OR NO IMPACT APV)
(Constitutional Amendment) Authorizes the legislature to provide for forfeiture of retirement benefits by public officials and employees who are convicted of felony acts associated with their positions (EN NO IMPACT APV)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the forfeiture of public pension benefits by a public official upon felony conviction of certain offenses
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 (OR SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE 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 (EN +$43,597 FC SG EX)
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)