Nearly 660 new Louisiana laws are now in effect, including those that outlaw texting while driving and provide more young adults access to health insurance.
Others allow people to carry guns into previously off-limits places such as churches and attempt to discourage the fraudulent use of state and federal funds devoted to BP Gulf of Mexico oil disaster-related relief, with whistleblowers eligible for rewards.
The laws were approved in the 2010 regular legislative session, which ended June 21.
Showing posts with label 2010 Legislative session. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 Legislative session. Show all posts
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Summer LASERS Beam is now Available
The Summer 2010 LASERS Beam is Now Posted Online
This issue of the quarterly Beam newsletter features information on results of the 2010 legislative session and Acts affecting LASERS members and employers.
To read all about it, click the following link: www.lasersonline.org
This issue of the quarterly Beam newsletter features information on results of the 2010 legislative session and Acts affecting LASERS members and employers.
To read all about it, click the following link: www.lasersonline.org
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Old practice now 'retired'
Changes in Louisiana state law will no longer allow high-pay education administrators to "retire" for 24 hours, get rehired the next day and a year later cash in simultaneously with both retirement checks and full paychecks.
That practice has been going on for a long time, to the fiscal detriment of both public school systems and the Teacher Retirement System of Louisiana.
That's why House Bill 519, now signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal, will provide some salve to the wounded accounts. In five years, savings from the bill may reach $108 million for the retirement fund and may reach $94 million for the school systems, according to estimates. That money is precious in this economy and with the state budget in full retreat.
These changes do not prevent retirees from returning to teaching. But those who do must be prepared to forgo retirement pay while drawing their teacher salary. Teachers say there are other changes, too, that ought to be considered for the protection of teachers. For now, though, these changes mark progress.
The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star's editorial board, composed of President and Publisher David B. Petty, Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock, Managing Editor Ken Stickney and community representatives Wiley Hilburn, Whitney Martin and Roderick Worthy.
That practice has been going on for a long time, to the fiscal detriment of both public school systems and the Teacher Retirement System of Louisiana.
That's why House Bill 519, now signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal, will provide some salve to the wounded accounts. In five years, savings from the bill may reach $108 million for the retirement fund and may reach $94 million for the school systems, according to estimates. That money is precious in this economy and with the state budget in full retreat.
These changes do not prevent retirees from returning to teaching. But those who do must be prepared to forgo retirement pay while drawing their teacher salary. Teachers say there are other changes, too, that ought to be considered for the protection of teachers. For now, though, these changes mark progress.
The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star's editorial board, composed of President and Publisher David B. Petty, Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock, Managing Editor Ken Stickney and community representatives Wiley Hilburn, Whitney Martin and Roderick Worthy.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
House Committee Approves Senate Passed Retirement Bills - by- Robyn Ekings
The House Committee on Retirement today passed two bills onto the full House that would affect the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) and its members. SB 13, by Morgan City Senator Butch Gautreaux, calls for the garnishment of pension benefits for restitution or to cover the cost of incarceration of a public employee or elected official charged with a felony conviction associated with the office or position held by that individual. The measure was unanimously approved by the panel, after members, like Representative Jack Montoucet expressed relief that they could "send a message back home that I'm not really in support of stealing. There have been several other bills that called for the forfeiture of
SB 58, also by Senator Gautreaux, would allow members to purchase up to 5 years of service, "air time" to add to their retirement eligibility. To make the transaction, the member would have to be already vested in the system. The bill was offered in the wake of a state Streamlining Commission recommendation aimed at reducing the state workforce. Supporters say the employees who ended up taking advantage of the measure would likely be replaced by lower salaried workers. Cindy Rougeou, Executive Director of LASERS, told lawmakers that the bill would not create any new cost to the system and was revenue neutral.
Senator Gautreaux, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Retirement, had a tougher time with SB 602, which would begin a phase out of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). The Senator argued that many people have come to him expressing their regret about making the irrevocable decision to enter DROP. "They want relief," said Gautreaux, "but you can't go back in time." Committee Vice-Chairman, Representative Jean Doerge of Minden countered "that we have many people who would like to see this program continue.” "Let me assure you,” Cindy Rougeou told members, "they are provided with extensive information about options like DROP. We have one-on-one counseling, our Pre-retirement Education Program (PREP), our website and various publications that deal with this." After a lengthy discussion, Senator Gautreaux voluntarily deferred his plan.
Also today in Committee, House Speaker Jim Tucker again delayed a vote on HB 1229, his proposal to merge the investments of the four state retirement systems, including LASERS. Chairman Kevin Pearson made the announcement, saying the bill will be brought up next week with "dramatic changes." The Speaker has said that the move to put investments under a single state commission that would manage the money would save on expenses for the state. The systems oppose the plan, saying that the current structure allows for efficient management and the ability to tailor investments to the unique needs of members of each system.
SB 58, also by Senator Gautreaux, would allow members to purchase up to 5 years of service, "air time" to add to their retirement eligibility. To make the transaction, the member would have to be already vested in the system. The bill was offered in the wake of a state Streamlining Commission recommendation aimed at reducing the state workforce. Supporters say the employees who ended up taking advantage of the measure would likely be replaced by lower salaried workers. Cindy Rougeou, Executive Director of LASERS, told lawmakers that the bill would not create any new cost to the system and was revenue neutral.
Senator Gautreaux, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Retirement, had a tougher time with SB 602, which would begin a phase out of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). The Senator argued that many people have come to him expressing their regret about making the irrevocable decision to enter DROP. "They want relief," said Gautreaux, "but you can't go back in time." Committee Vice-Chairman, Representative Jean Doerge of Minden countered "that we have many people who would like to see this program continue.” "Let me assure you,” Cindy Rougeou told members, "they are provided with extensive information about options like DROP. We have one-on-one counseling, our Pre-retirement Education Program (PREP), our website and various publications that deal with this." After a lengthy discussion, Senator Gautreaux voluntarily deferred his plan.
Also today in Committee, House Speaker Jim Tucker again delayed a vote on HB 1229, his proposal to merge the investments of the four state retirement systems, including LASERS. Chairman Kevin Pearson made the announcement, saying the bill will be brought up next week with "dramatic changes." The Speaker has said that the move to put investments under a single state commission that would manage the money would save on expenses for the state. The systems oppose the plan, saying that the current structure allows for efficient management and the ability to tailor investments to the unique needs of members of each system.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Retirement Issues in Spotlight Next Week at the Capitol – by Robyn Ekings
Several key bills affecting Louisiana public retirement systems are set for committee hearings next week. On Monday afternoon, May 10th, the Senate Retirement Committee is scheduled to meet to review proposals that include bills calling for forfeiture or garnishment of retirement benefits of public employees or elected officials convicted of a felony act associated with his/her office. The Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS) Board of Trustees supports one of these measures, SB 13 by Senate Retirement Committee Chairman Senator Butch Gautreaux. The LASERS Board opposes bills calling for forfeiture of benefits due to federal constitutional concerns.
As written, SB 13 includes a provision that the pension or retirement benefit of an elected official may be garnished or seized to pay any fine or restitution imposed as a penalty for conviction of a felony associated with his office. The bill would retain the present law that provides for protection of a spouse’s community property interest in the public retirement or pension benefit of a member or retiree of a state or statewide retirement system.
The panel is also set to hear SB 632 by Senator Gautreaux which seeks to provide permanent increases in retiree benefits for the four state retirement systems, LASERS, the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), the Louisiana school Employees’ Retirement System (LSERS) and the State Police Pension and Retirement System. The proposal currently calls for increases for members of those systems who are retired as of June 30, 2010, generally providing for a 2% benefit increase for eligible retirees in every odd-numbered year beginning in 2017. The LASERS Board of Trustees voted to work with Senator Gautreaux on this plan.
On the House side, several high profile bills affecting the four state retirement systems will be heard in the House Retirement Committee on Thursday morning, May 13th. House Speaker Jim Tucker is backing HBs 930 and 931, a bill and a proposed constitutional amendment to shift new employees of the four state systems into a 401(k) styled defined contribution plan, instead of the current defined benefit plans. The LASERS Board of Trustees strongly opposes this change. Lafayette Representative Joel Robideaux is backing a lengthy bill that would make a long list of changes to the systems for employees hired after January 1, 2011. HB 1337 includes changes to employee contributions, final average compensation, and retirement eligibility. The LASERS Board of Trustees supports this bill.
And, Speaker Tucker is also the author of HB 1229, set for hearing on Thursday. It would consolidate the investment operations of the four systems, and create a new state commission to manage the systems’ money. The LASERS Board of Trustees opposes this measure.
Other bills to be considered by the House Retirement Committee include HB 189 by Representative Dee Richard which would allow retirement with 10 years at age 50 with an actuarially reduced benefit, HB 958 by Representative Ligi which would implement a 10 year period to calculate final average compensation, a number of forfeiture bills.
As written, SB 13 includes a provision that the pension or retirement benefit of an elected official may be garnished or seized to pay any fine or restitution imposed as a penalty for conviction of a felony associated with his office. The bill would retain the present law that provides for protection of a spouse’s community property interest in the public retirement or pension benefit of a member or retiree of a state or statewide retirement system.
The panel is also set to hear SB 632 by Senator Gautreaux which seeks to provide permanent increases in retiree benefits for the four state retirement systems, LASERS, the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), the Louisiana school Employees’ Retirement System (LSERS) and the State Police Pension and Retirement System. The proposal currently calls for increases for members of those systems who are retired as of June 30, 2010, generally providing for a 2% benefit increase for eligible retirees in every odd-numbered year beginning in 2017. The LASERS Board of Trustees voted to work with Senator Gautreaux on this plan.
On the House side, several high profile bills affecting the four state retirement systems will be heard in the House Retirement Committee on Thursday morning, May 13th. House Speaker Jim Tucker is backing HBs 930 and 931, a bill and a proposed constitutional amendment to shift new employees of the four state systems into a 401(k) styled defined contribution plan, instead of the current defined benefit plans. The LASERS Board of Trustees strongly opposes this change. Lafayette Representative Joel Robideaux is backing a lengthy bill that would make a long list of changes to the systems for employees hired after January 1, 2011. HB 1337 includes changes to employee contributions, final average compensation, and retirement eligibility. The LASERS Board of Trustees supports this bill.
And, Speaker Tucker is also the author of HB 1229, set for hearing on Thursday. It would consolidate the investment operations of the four systems, and create a new state commission to manage the systems’ money. The LASERS Board of Trustees opposes this measure.
Other bills to be considered by the House Retirement Committee include HB 189 by Representative Dee Richard which would allow retirement with 10 years at age 50 with an actuarially reduced benefit, HB 958 by Representative Ligi which would implement a 10 year period to calculate final average compensation, a number of forfeiture bills.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Debate on House Speaker's overhaul of state retirement system postponed
The House Retirement Committee today postponed a Wednesday afternoon meeting until Thursday May 13th. During tomorrow’s session, some of the key measures addressing the state retirement systems were set to be heard.
House Speaker Jim Tucker has authored several of the proposals, including a bill and a proposed constitutional amendment (HB 930 and 931) to shift new employees of the four state retirement systems into a 401 K styled defined contribution plan, instead of the current defined benefit plan.
The systems includes the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS), the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), the Louisiana School Employees’ Retirement System (LSERS), and the Louisiana State Police Retirement System.
Speaker Tucker is also the author of HB 1229, which would consolidate the investment operations of the four systems, and create a new state commission to manage the systems money.
And, Lafayette Representative Joel Robideaux is backing a lengthy bill that would make a long list of changes to the systems for employees hired after January 1, 2011, including changes to employee contributions, final average compensation, and retirement eligibility.
House Speaker Jim Tucker has authored several of the proposals, including a bill and a proposed constitutional amendment (HB 930 and 931) to shift new employees of the four state retirement systems into a 401 K styled defined contribution plan, instead of the current defined benefit plan.
The systems includes the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS), the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), the Louisiana School Employees’ Retirement System (LSERS), and the Louisiana State Police Retirement System.
Speaker Tucker is also the author of HB 1229, which would consolidate the investment operations of the four systems, and create a new state commission to manage the systems money.
And, Lafayette Representative Joel Robideaux is backing a lengthy bill that would make a long list of changes to the systems for employees hired after January 1, 2011, including changes to employee contributions, final average compensation, and retirement eligibility.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Senate Approves Bill to Scale Back Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP)- by Robyn Ekings
In a 30-4 vote, the Louisiana Senate on Wednesday voted to endorse a bill aimed at beginning a phase out of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan(DROP)for members of the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS), the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) and the Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System (LSERS).
SB 602 by Senator Butch Gautreaux of Morgan City was amended on the Senate floor to change a provision in the original proposal that provided that no member of the above systems who has less than ten years of creditable service on July 1, 2010 will be permitted to participate in DROP. The amendment changes that requirement by saying that no member of the systems hired after July 1, 2010 will be permitted to participate in DROP.
The DROP provisions provide that a participant "freeze" his or her retirement accruals as of the date he or she enters DROP. During participation in DROP, a member continues working and receiving a salary, and the employee's calculated retirement benefit is deposited into a trust fund. Maximum time for participation by an eligible employee is three years.The LASERS Board of Trustees is neutral on the plan, pointing out that DROP is cost neutral to its system.
The measure now heads to the House Retirement Committee for review.
SB 602 by Senator Butch Gautreaux of Morgan City was amended on the Senate floor to change a provision in the original proposal that provided that no member of the above systems who has less than ten years of creditable service on July 1, 2010 will be permitted to participate in DROP. The amendment changes that requirement by saying that no member of the systems hired after July 1, 2010 will be permitted to participate in DROP.
The DROP provisions provide that a participant "freeze" his or her retirement accruals as of the date he or she enters DROP. During participation in DROP, a member continues working and receiving a salary, and the employee's calculated retirement benefit is deposited into a trust fund. Maximum time for participation by an eligible employee is three years.The LASERS Board of Trustees is neutral on the plan, pointing out that DROP is cost neutral to its system.
The measure now heads to the House Retirement Committee for review.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
House Rejects Bill to Suspend Benefits for Members of Public Retirement System Convicted of Job Related Crimes – by Robyn Ekings
The Louisiana House on Monday rejected a bill (HB 224) by Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson that would have suspended benefits for public servants imprisoned for criminal convictions for the time that person served his or her sentence. The bill was amended on the floor to require that the crime be related to the public employee’s job. The original bill provided that survivor benefits would continue to be paid to the spouse and children of the worker involved while he or she was in prison.
Opponents claimed that the measure was too broad. The LASERS Board of Trustees voted to oppose the bill, citing concerns over constitutional issues raised by the proposal.
The Senate Retirement Committee also approved SB 14 and SB 134 with ammendments. SB 14 addresses a proposed change in beneficiaries for supplemental benefits for certain LASERS retirees. SB 134 provides for a change affecting the Public Retirement Systems's Actuarial Committee (PRSAC). Both both bills now move to the Senate floor.
Opponents claimed that the measure was too broad. The LASERS Board of Trustees voted to oppose the bill, citing concerns over constitutional issues raised by the proposal.
The Senate Retirement Committee also approved SB 14 and SB 134 with ammendments. SB 14 addresses a proposed change in beneficiaries for supplemental benefits for certain LASERS retirees. SB 134 provides for a change affecting the Public Retirement Systems's Actuarial Committee (PRSAC). Both both bills now move to the Senate floor.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Senate Panel Approves Bill to Encourage Retirement for Certain State Workers - by Robyn Ekings
The Senate Retirement Committee today approved a bill (SB 58) that would allow members of the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS)who have reached the age where they are eligible to retire, to buy additional service credit that they may lack. The measure, by Morgan City Senator and Committee Chair Butch Gautreaux is, as he told the panel, “designed to cut back on the workforce, in a friendly way.” Provisions of the bill allow those who are old enough to retire to purchase five years or less of service credit. The purchases are at an actuarial cost for up to five years in one year increments. Application to participate must be made before August 31, 2010, with payments to be made by December 31, 2010. Retirement must become effective by February 1, 2011. Members who purchase credit may also pay to upgrade prior service. The LASERS Board of Trustees took a neutral position on the plan. The bill now heads to the full Senate for debate.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
House Retirement Committee Takes Action on Bills by Robyn Ekings
Metairie Representative John LaBruzzo, sponsor of a bill (HB 71) that would allow what he estimates are 66 members and retirees affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita, who took Early Retirement following the storms to avoid termination, to get an increased benefit. Testimony today by an actuary from the Office of the Legislative Auditor indicated that if all 66 members took the option, the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) would incur an increased liability of $2.3 million. "I can't imagine more than ten people taking advantage of this." Representative LaBruzzo told the panel.
But several members disagreed, including Chalmette Representative Reed Henderson who said "I guess my question is; Why wouldn't they ask for this ?" LASERS Executive Director Cindy Rougeou agreed that the bill "does have a substantial cost to the system." She added "There was a law in place that gave them (employees) something instead of nothing. Many people took advantage of that. Many did it to keep their health insurance." Denham Springs Representative Rogers Pope expressed his opposition, saying "I also think we have an obligation to look after 13 different retirement systems. For my consideration, I just can't sit here and add to the liability. The committee voted without objection to defer the measure.
Slidell Representative and Retirement Committee Chair Kevin Pearson gained approval of HB 748 after several amendments were added. The proposal would require a breakdown of employer contributions for each of the subplans in LASERS. Employer contributions would then be set based on the benefits received by their employees. For example, the benefits for rank and file employees are not as costly as those benefits provided to LASERS members in specialty plans. The bill recognizes the differing costs and assigns employer contributions based on those costs. The LASERS Board of Trustees voted to support the measure if the effective date is amended.
But several members disagreed, including Chalmette Representative Reed Henderson who said "I guess my question is; Why wouldn't they ask for this ?" LASERS Executive Director Cindy Rougeou agreed that the bill "does have a substantial cost to the system." She added "There was a law in place that gave them (employees) something instead of nothing. Many people took advantage of that. Many did it to keep their health insurance." Denham Springs Representative Rogers Pope expressed his opposition, saying "I also think we have an obligation to look after 13 different retirement systems. For my consideration, I just can't sit here and add to the liability. The committee voted without objection to defer the measure.
Slidell Representative and Retirement Committee Chair Kevin Pearson gained approval of HB 748 after several amendments were added. The proposal would require a breakdown of employer contributions for each of the subplans in LASERS. Employer contributions would then be set based on the benefits received by their employees. For example, the benefits for rank and file employees are not as costly as those benefits provided to LASERS members in specialty plans. The bill recognizes the differing costs and assigns employer contributions based on those costs. The LASERS Board of Trustees voted to support the measure if the effective date is amended.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
State Panel Approves Suspension of Benefits for those in Public Service who face Criminal Convictions - by Robyn Ekings
The state House Retirement Committee today approved a bill that would suspend retirement benefits for a public servant convicted of a crime while he or she is in prison. The measure, by Slidell Representative and Committee Chairman Kevin Pearson would require a constitutional amendment that, if passed by the full legislature and signed by the governor, would likely be on the ballot for Louisiana voters in the fall.
Opponents argued that the measure creates constitutional problems...and will be difficult to administer. The bill will next go to the full house.
Also during their morning session, several other bills were voluntarily deferred by their authors, including some requiring convicted criminals who are public employees to forfeit retirement benefits for crimes associated with their positions."Those who dishonor the public trust," said bill author Representative Anthony Ligi of Metairie "should not receive retirement benefits. These are pre-meditated crimes of greed."
Opponents like New Orleans Representative Juan LaFonta argued that the felon's spouse and minor children would be punished by the benefit forfeiture saying "At the end of the day, you are taking money away from the person that supports a household, then they may have to rely on welfare or some other type of public assistance." The measure was deferred by the committee.
More than 20 states have benefit forfeiture laws for convicted felons. Several members of the opposition today pointed out that the concept is good, but can be a "nightmare" for public retirement systems to execute.
Opponents argued that the measure creates constitutional problems...and will be difficult to administer. The bill will next go to the full house.
Also during their morning session, several other bills were voluntarily deferred by their authors, including some requiring convicted criminals who are public employees to forfeit retirement benefits for crimes associated with their positions."Those who dishonor the public trust," said bill author Representative Anthony Ligi of Metairie "should not receive retirement benefits. These are pre-meditated crimes of greed."
Opponents like New Orleans Representative Juan LaFonta argued that the felon's spouse and minor children would be punished by the benefit forfeiture saying "At the end of the day, you are taking money away from the person that supports a household, then they may have to rely on welfare or some other type of public assistance." The measure was deferred by the committee.
More than 20 states have benefit forfeiture laws for convicted felons. Several members of the opposition today pointed out that the concept is good, but can be a "nightmare" for public retirement systems to execute.
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