Louisiana House Bill HCR110

Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/17/23
• Refer: 5/17/23
• Report Pass: 5/18/23
• Engrossed: 5/24/23
• Refer: 5/25/23
• Report Pass: 6/2/23
• Passed: 6/7/23

Caption

Requests the state public retirement systems to avoid Environmental, Social, and Governance investing

Impact

If adopted, HCR110 would potentially reshape the investment strategies of Louisiana's retirement systems, steering them away from ESG-focused investing. This could have significant implications for how retirement funds are allocated, potentially impacting opportunities for socially responsible investments or investments that address sustainability. The aim is to ensure that all investments are made in a manner that prioritizes the financial returns for the beneficiaries of these systems, strictly adhering to the financial interests of retirees.

Summary

HCR110 is a concurrent resolution that urges and requests state and statewide retirement system boards of trustees in Louisiana to prioritize their fiduciary duty when making financial investment decisions. The resolution emphasizes that such boards should refrain from allowing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations to influence their investment strategies. The legislators argue that retirement funds should be solely invested to optimize returns for retirees, including state employees, teachers, and law enforcement officers, rather than serving political or ideological purposes.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR110 appears to be supportive among its proponents, who view it as a necessary step to uphold fiduciary responsibilities. Supporters argue that investments should not be swayed by social agendas and that the primary focus should be financial gain for employees. However, the resolution may face opposition from advocates of ESG investing, who argue that integrating social and environmental considerations can lead to better long-term financial performance and align investments with broader societal goals.

Contention

Notably, there is contention regarding the balance between financial returns and social responsibility in investment practices. The resolution implies that consideration of ESG factors can conflict with fiduciary duties, which some critics may argue overlooks the potential financial benefits of socially responsible investing. This could lead to a significant legislative debate concerning the role of retirement systems in addressing both financial performance and the impact of their investments on society and the environment.