Provides relative to dental benefits for sheriffs and deputies of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office (EN +$900 LF EX See Note)
Impact
The implications of HB 506 are significant for retired law enforcement members of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office. By guaranteeing comprehensive coverage for health and dental care expenses, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens for retirees, potentially improving their overall quality of life. This legislation reflects a commitment to supporting those who have served in law enforcement, ensuring that they are adequately taken care of in their retirement years. The state may need to allocate additional resources to the sheriff's general fund to ensure these benefits are sustainably financed.
Summary
House Bill 506 seeks to amend existing legislation related to the retirement benefits of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in Terrebonne Parish. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the sheriff's office will cover 100% of the premium costs associated with group hospital, surgical, dental, and medical expense insurance. Additionally, it ensures that these retired personnel also receive a $10,000 life insurance benefit, funded by the sheriff's general fund, as long as they are eligible for benefits from the Sheriff’s Pension and Relief Fund. This move is designed to provide enhanced support to retired law enforcement officers and their families.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment around HB 506 appears to be positive, particularly from the law enforcement community and retired personnel who would directly benefit from the changes. Proponents argue that such measures are a necessary acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by police officers and deputies. However, as with any financial amendment to public service benefits, there may be concerns regarding the fiscal impact on local government budgets and how these changes are funded in the long term.
Contention
While no major points of contention have been highlighted in the available discussions surrounding HB 506, potential debates may arise regarding budget allocation or the sufficiency of funding sources for these increased benefits. Questions can be expected about whether all sheriffs' offices across Louisiana will adopt similar measures, considering differing financial situations and priorities at the parish level.
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)
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 relative to payment of insurance premiums for certain sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to payment of insurance premiums for certain sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
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 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)