Allows a member to designate a trustee for survivor benefits payable to a child (EN NO IMPACT APV)
Impact
The impact of HB 214 on state laws concerning retirement and benefits administration is significant. It adds a protective measure for children of police members who pass away, aiming to prevent any complications that could arise if a member dies without a spouse to manage those benefits. This change will streamline the process of benefit distribution, helping to alleviate potential disputes among survivors and ensuring that children receive the benefits intended for them in a timely manner.
Summary
House Bill 214 modifies provisions related to the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System by allowing members to designate a trustee for survivor benefits that are payable to children. This legislative change primarily aims to clarify the distribution of retirement benefits in instances where a member dies without being married to the natural parent of their children. By permitting a member to designate a trustee through a certified trust document, the bill seeks to ensure that survival benefits are allocated in accordance with the member's wishes, providing a structured way to manage these critical funds for beneficiaries.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 214 appears to be positive, particularly among stakeholders involved in the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System. The bill received unanimous support during the Senate vote, which indicates a collective agreement on the importance of ensuring that survivor benefits are effectively managed and distributed. This level of legislative agreement reflects a broader trend towards enhancing the rights and protections for children in important legal matters, which is generally well-received by the community.
Contention
While HB 214 seems straightforward, minor points of contention may arise around the execution and administrative aspects of designating trustees. Those responsible for implementing the bill may face challenges related to ensuring that all trust documents are properly certified and maintained within the retirement system. However, these potential issues did not appear to be significant enough to garner opposition during legislative discussions, as the overall aim of the bill was largely supported.
Relative to the La. State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS), allows benefits payable to children beneficiaries of deceased retirees to be paid to a trust (EN NO IMPACT)
Provides for benefits for survivors of hazardous duty plan members killed by an intentional act of violence. (2/3 - CA 10s29(F)) (gov sig) (EN INCREASE APV)
Provides for benefits for survivors of members killed in the line of duty by an intentional act of violence. (2/3 - CA10s29(F)) (6/30/17) (EN INCREASE APV)
Provides for the optional selection of payment of survivor benefits for a surviving spouse of a member of the Municipal Employees' Retirement System of Louisiana (EN NO IMPACT APV)
Provides relative to the selection of certain optional survivor benefits for members of the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (OR NO IMPACT APV)
Provides for the payment of refunded contributions to members of the Firefighters' Retirement System and for survivor benefits in certain circumstances (EG INCREASE APV)
Provides relative to the selection of certain optional survivor benefits for members of the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (EN INCREASE APV)