Louisiana Senate Bill SB12

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/18
• Refer: 1/24/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 3/13/18
• Engrossed: 3/19/18
• Refer: 3/20/18
• Report Pass: 4/27/18
• Enrolled: 5/15/18
• Chaptered: 5/20/18
• Passed: 5/20/18

Caption

Provides for survivor benefits. (6/30/18) (EN NO IMPACT APV)

Impact

The bill significantly impacts existing state laws related to retirement systems, especially the provisions that govern how survivor benefits are distributed. With detailed definitions of 'surviving child' and the corresponding benefits they are entitled to, the bill enhances support for families left behind by deceased members. The amendments also clarify conditions under which benefits cease, especially regarding remarriage of the surviving spouse, and set limits on the total benefits that can be paid to dependents. These changes are essential for updating the retirement system to better serve its members and their families.

Summary

Senate Bill 12 aims to amend the provisions surrounding survivor benefits within the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System in Louisiana. The bill introduces specific qualifications for benefits payable to the survivors of active contributing members and disability retirees. It outlines how payments are calculated based on the deceased member's average final compensation, and provides clarity on the continuation of benefits for surviving children under various circumstances, including education and disability status. This amendment seeks to ensure that surviving families receive adequate financial support during their time of need.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB 12 appears to be positive from public safety advocates and police retirement proponents. Supporters highlight the necessity of providing sufficient financial resources to families affected by the loss of their breadwinner within law enforcement. The attention to survivors, especially in terms of education for surviving children and the conditions surrounding disability, reflects a caring approach to the responsibilities of the state towards families of deceased members. However, there may be concerns among some quarters about how these changes will affect the fiscal sustainability of the retirement system in the long term.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the bill's stipulations on remarriage affecting benefit continuity and the management of total payment limits to dependents. Critics might argue that such provisions could make it difficult for surviving spouses to remarry without fear of financial loss. The stipulations regarding disability benefits for surviving children also require careful implementation to ensure they truly meet the needs of those who depend on them without creating a bureaucratic burden.