Requests the state and statewide public retirement systems to appear before the House and Senate committees on retirement and report relative to the promulgation and distribution of forms regarding pension forfeiture (EG NO IMPACT APV)
Impact
The passing of Act No. 479 in the 2012 Regular Session laid the groundwork for HCR108, establishing the legal framework for the retirement benefit forfeiture process. Legislators expect these measures to enhance accountability for public servants by ensuring they are fully aware of the conditions under which they may lose their retirement benefits. The act also demands that employing agencies provide these attestation forms to every public servant hired or elected post-January 1, 2013, making the distribution essential for compliance with the new regulation.
Summary
HCR108 is a Concurrent Resolution from the Louisiana Legislature that urges and requests state and statewide retirement systems to report on the implementation of provisions related to the forfeiture of retirement benefits for public servants convicted of certain felonies. This resolution specifically calls for a progress report by July 1, 2013, regarding the creation and distribution of official attestation forms that outline these new legal requirements. The impetus behind this resolution stems from a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2012, allowing the legislature to establish such statutes governing pension forfeiture.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR108 reflects a strong legislative push towards accountability and responsible governance in public service. Supporters view the resolution as a vital step to ensure public servants are cognizant of their legal responsibilities, thereby safeguarding taxpayer interests. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the broader implications of pension forfeiture laws, arguing they could disproportionately affect individuals facing legal challenges not related to their official duties.
Contention
While HCR108 seeks a straightforward update on compliance with pension forfeiture regulations, the conversation around it is not entirely without contention. Opponents of strict forfeiture laws often highlight the potential for misuse or unwarranted penalties against individuals who may be wrongfully accused. The legislative discussion suggests a balanced approach must be taken to uphold justice while ensuring accountability, making this measure a focal point of ongoing discourse regarding public servant regulations.
Provides relative to the content of reports submitted by state and statewide retirement systems to the legislative retirement committees (OR NO IMPACT APV)
Directs the La. State Employees' Retirement System, the Teachers' Retirement System of La., the La. School Employees' Retirement System, and the La. State Police Pension and Retirement System to report specified information to the House and Senate committees on retirement (EN NO IMPACT APV)
Relative to state retirement systems, requests the House and Senate committees on retirement to study issues related to board membership and system investments
Requires employers to continue contributing to state and statewide public retirement systems for the duration of DROP participation. (6/30/12) (EG NO IMPACT APV)
Replaces the chairman of the House Committee on Retirement with a member of the House Committee on Retirement appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives as trustee on each state and statewide retirement system board (EN NO IMPACT APV)
Relative to La. public retirement systems, urges and requests the House and Senate committees on retirement, the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure, and the Senate committees on Judiciary A, B, or C, to study issues related to redesignating beneficiaries by retirees of such systems
Requires forfeiture of retirement benefits by any public employee or elected official who is a member of a public retirement system and is convicted of certain state or federal felony acts associated with his office (EN +$43,597 FC SG EX)
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.