Louisiana House Bill HB571

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 5/23/11
• Refer: 5/24/11
• Report Pass: 6/7/11
• Engrossed: 6/13/11
• Report Pass: 6/19/11
• Enrolled: 6/22/11
• Chaptered: 6/29/11
• Passed: 6/29/11

Caption

Relative to state retirement systems, makes changes to provisions affected by Act No. 992 of the 2010 R.S. (EN DECREASE APV)

Impact

The legislation is expected to streamline processes regarding retirement and survivor benefits and to ensure consistency across state retirement systems. By elaborating on terms such as survivor benefits for children and conditions for disability benefits, the bill provides clarity for both the beneficiaries and the retirees. Additionally, by aligning with previous acts, HB 571 reinforces the framework established for retirement systems in Louisiana, which could lead to more predictable outcomes for employees planning their retirement.

Summary

House Bill 571 pertains to amendments and reenactments of various provisions related to the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System and the Teachers' Retirement System. The bill seeks to simplify and standardize definitions of benefits, retirement eligibility, and survivor benefits. It focuses on changes that align with the prior legislation enacted under Act No. 992 of the 2010 Regular Session. Notably, it makes provisions for the payment of benefits to surviving children of deceased members and clarifies eligibility for disability benefits, focusing on employees' service years and conditions under which benefits may be granted or denied.

Sentiment

Generally, sentiment around HB 571 appeared to be supportive among legislators who see the necessity of clear provisions and standardized benefits. Supporters argue that this bill addresses long-standing ambiguities in state retirement law, thereby enhancing employee security and ensuring dependents are adequately covered. Meanwhile, concerns from some factions arose over the adequacy of benefits and the need for more comprehensive protections for potentially vulnerable populations, such as disabled employees or dependents of deceased members. As such, discussions have been constructive but pointed, reflecting the complexities involved in retirement and survivor benefits.

Contention

Key points of contention mainly revolve around the adequacy of survivor benefits guaranteed under the new stipulations, particularly for children of deceased members with disabilities. Legislators expressed a desire to ensure that these changes sufficiently protect the financial well-being of families affected by loss. The potential variations in employee contributions based on initial employment dates have also prompted debate regarding equity among newer versus long-serving employees within the same retirement systems.