Louisiana House Bill HB78

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/2/12
• Engrossed: 4/11/12
• Refer: 4/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/30/12
• Enrolled: 5/16/12
• Chaptered: 5/25/12
• Passed: 5/25/12

Caption

Provides relative to the administration of the Livingston Parish Retired Employees' Insurance Fund (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

Impact

The amendments proposed by HB 78 serve to clarify and potentially enhance the financial management of the LREIF, which provides insurance benefits for retired sheriff and deputy sheriff employees. By specifying investment strategies and establishing thresholds for withdrawal of earnings, the bill aims to ensure the stability and sustainability of the fund, protecting the insurance benefits for retirees. The bill's financial provisions also seek to prevent premature depletion of the fund, ensuring it maintains a minimum threshold of six million dollars before earnings can be withdrawn for stated purposes.

Summary

House Bill 78 addresses administrative changes to the Livingston Parish Retired Employees' Insurance Fund (LREIF). The bill amends existing statutes to provide clearer guidelines on the investment of fund monies, detailing the proportions that must be allocated to equities and fixed income investments. It stipulates that a minimum of 25% must be invested in equities and at least 25% in fixed income investments, with limitations on corporate bond investments ensuring that they maintain an investment-grade rating. Additionally, earnings on these investments are earmarked for covering insurance premium costs and legal representation for the LREIF Board.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 78 appears to be supportive, particularly among retirees and stakeholders involved in the administration of the LREIF. The bill is seen as a necessary modernization step that aligns the management of the fund with prudent financial practices. Given that the amendments ultimately serve to benefit retired employees, there seems to be a lack of significant opposition, indicating that it is likely to be well-received by both the legislative body and the public who rely on such retirement benefits.

Contention

While there does not appear to be substantial contention regarding HB 78, the emphasis on investment thresholds and the inability to withdraw earnings until a substantial principal amount is established might raise questions among some stakeholders about flexibility in fund management. Nonetheless, these provisions are likely intended to protect the fund from mismanagement and to ensure that it can meet the financial obligations owed to retirees in the long term.