Provides for payment of health and life insurance premiums for retired deputies and sheriffs of the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office (EN +$37,000 LF EX See Note)
Impact
The implementation of HB238 is likely to have a positive financial impact on retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs by providing them with essential health and life insurance benefits they may otherwise struggle to afford. This aligns with broader efforts to honor the service of law enforcement personnel by facilitating access to healthcare resources. The funding provision drawn from the sheriff's general fund signifies a direct commitment to the welfare of retired law enforcement personnel, reflecting a valued recognition of their contributions to public safety.
Summary
House Bill 238 pertains to the provision of health and life insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office. The bill requires the sheriff of Sabine Parish to cover the premium costs from the sheriff's general fund for eligible retired personnel. Specifically, retirees who have served a minimum of sixteen years and are at least sixty-five years old, or twenty years and at least fifty-five years old, or thirty years of continuous service of any age are eligible under this legislation. This bill aims to ensure healthcare coverage for retired law enforcement officers who have dedicated significant portions of their lives to public service.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB238 appears to be supportive, especially among retired law enforcement communities and advocates for public safety. Supporters view this measure as a necessary step in acknowledging and rewarding the sacrifices made by retired sheriffs and their deputies. However, there may be some concerns regarding the allocation of funds from public resources, as stakeholders discuss the financial implications for the sheriff's office budget, and whether this could impact other operational necessities within the department.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB238 may arise from the source of funding for the insurance premiums. While the bill mandates the coverage, stakeholders could debate the sustainability of this financial commitment, especially in terms of maintaining sufficient coverages without adversely affecting other aspects of the sheriff's office budget. Additionally, discussions regarding equitable benefits among various law enforcement agencies within the state could surface, as differences in benefit provisions might be scrutinized.
Provides for the payment of insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the LaSalle Parish Sheriff's Office (EN -$37,352 LF EX See Note)
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 group insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Winn Parish Sheriff's Office (EN +$23,297 LF EX See Note)
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 relative to the payment of group insurance premiums for retired sheriffs and employees of the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)