Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB20

Introduced
1/24/20  
Introduced
1/24/20  
Refer
5/4/20  

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the retirement and insurance benefits of elected officials (OR DECREASE APV)

Impact

The implications of HB 20 are significant as it introduces a novel provision to the Louisiana Constitution. It could lead to a decrease in membership for state and statewide retirement systems, consequently affecting future revenue as fewer officials will be able to contribute to these systems. The projected fiscal outcomes suggest a decrease in costs for the state and local governments, as expenditures related to retirement systems and insurance for newly elected officials will diminish. Existing officials would maintain their benefits until the end of their current terms, raising questions on how this bill may affect accrued benefits and potentially contradict existing constitutional provisions.

Summary

House Bill 20 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at prohibiting the use of public funds for paying retirement contributions and insurance premiums for elected officials starting January 1, 2021. The bill seeks to present this amendment for voter approval in the statewide election scheduled for November. If passed, the amendment would prevent new elected officials from becoming members of state or statewide retirement systems, thereby influencing the financial dynamics between these officials and the respective retirement plans.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 20 appears mixed and has ignited debates regarding fiscal responsibility and public service ethics. Proponents argue that the bill will promote financial prudence by constraining public expenditures linked to government officials, thereby ensuring taxpayer money is preserved. Conversely, critics express concerns about the potential implications on attracting quality candidates to public office and argue that it may undermine the stature of elected roles by deterring individuals who rely on these financial benefits for retirement.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the potential conflict between the proposed amendment and existing provisions in the Louisiana Constitution, particularly regarding compensation and benefits for elected officials. Debates focus on whether the amendment might inadvertently destabilize the legal framework governing retirement benefits for current officeholders or lead to complexities in the interpretation of related laws. Furthermore, stakeholders may need to consider conforming legislation that would address inconsistencies arising from this amendment, particularly concerning public officials already enrolled in retirement systems.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB26

(Constitutional Amendment) Limits the application of the guarantee of retirement benefits for state employees to certain types of benefits (OR NO IMPACT APV)

LA HB69

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for forfeiture of retirement benefits by public officials and employees who are convicted of felony acts associated with their positions (OR NO IMPACT APV)

LA SB11

A Constitutional Amendment to provide for forfeiture of retirement benefits by public officials and employees who are convicted of felony acts associated with their positions. (OR NO IMPACT APV)

LA HB22

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the mandatory retirement age for judges

LA SB276

Constitutional amendment to establish a mandatory retirement age for certain elected officials. (2/3 - CA13s1(A))

LA HB228

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for suspension of public retirement benefits during a member's incarceration (EG NO IMPACT APV)

LA HB21

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to service credit in public retirement systems received by part-time public officials

LA SB248

Provides for initiative measures for use by the electorate to propose and adopt or reject laws and constitutional amendments. (2/3 - CA13s1(A))

LA HB241

(Constitutional Amendment) Requires voter approval of compensation increases for certain local officials (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

LA SB276

Constitutional amendment to remove the mandatory retirement age for judges and to prohibit a mandatory retirement age for public office holders and public employment.

Similar Bills

ND SB2318

Reporting of aggregate expenditures for political purposes; and to provide a penalty.

TX HJR112

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain persons or groups to report certain contributions and political expenditures.

UT HB0393

Banning Foreign Funding in Ballot Propositions and Elections

ND HB1529

AN ACT to provide for a legislative management study relating to campaign finance.

NJ S3391

Requires enhanced reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures by independent expenditure committees.

CA AB187

Political Reform Act of 1974: local ballot measure contribution and expenditure reporting.

CA AB236

Campaign disclosure: limited liability companies.

HI HB142

Relating To Reimbursements For Expenditures By Committees.