Louisiana House Bill HB62

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/21
• Refer: 3/8/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/11/21
• Engrossed: 5/18/21
• Refer: 5/19/21
• Report Pass: 6/3/21
• Enrolled: 6/8/21
• Chaptered: 6/14/21
• Passed: 6/14/21

Caption

Requires the St. James Parish assessor to pay the cost of certain insurance premiums for certain retirees of the assessor's office (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill's enactment implies that retirees from the St. James Parish assessor's office will receive enhanced insurance coverage through the payment of premiums by the assessor. This reflects a more supportive approach towards the welfare of former employees, ensuring they have access to necessary medical and dental care. However, it places a financial obligation on the parish assessor's office, which may need to adjust its budgeting to accommodate these expenses.

Summary

House Bill 62 mandates that the St. James Parish assessor is responsible for paying the premiums of certain group insurance plans for retired employees of the assessor's office. This requirement is outlined in R.S. 47:1923(D)(1)(a), which is amended through the provisions in this bill. The change aims to provide better financial support for those who have served in the assessor's office during their employment, addressing an important aspect of post-retirement benefits.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 62 appears positive among those who support enhanced benefits for public sector retirees. Proponents believe that ensuring these retirees have access to insurance is a moral obligation and is essential for their wellbeing. Nonetheless, there may also be concerns regarding the financial implications of this mandate on the parish's budget, which could evoke mixed feelings among budget-conscious stakeholders.

Contention

While there seems to be general support for the bill, discussions may arise regarding its financial implications for the St. James Parish budget and whether such a requirement is a sustainable commitment. Some may argue that while the bill serves a noble purpose, it could place additional strain on local finances or create precedence for similar demands in other parishes. The balance between providing for retirees and managing public funds efficiently could be a point of contention moving forward.