Legislative Update: 5/21/2020

As the Legislative Session progresses, retirement bills continue to move forward. The House Retirement Committee met on May 20 to review SCR 34 by Senator Beth Mizell, which they moved to report favorably to the House. Below is an update on other bills that were introduced LRTA is actively tracking:

• HB 8 (Return to Work) by Rep. Bourriaque – passed the House; pending Senate Retirement
  • LRTA Supports (amendments removed 12-month waiver that caused initial opposition) 
• HB 10 (Average Compensation Calculation) by Rep. Edmonds – passed the House; pending Senate Retirement
  • LRTA Supports
• HCR 9 (Memorializes Congress to repeal WEP/GPO) by Rep. Johnson – passed the House; pending Senate Retirement
  • LRTA Supports
• HR 21 (Actuarial Study regarding PBIs) by Rep. Harris – passed the House; signed by the Speaker
  • LRTA Supports
• SR 15 (Actuarial Study regarding PBIs) by Senator Price – sent to Secretary of State for signature
  • LRTA Supports
• SCR 34 (Memorializes Congress to repeal WEP/GPO) by Senator Mizell – pending House Floor Action
  • LRTA Supports

Although these bills have not been introduced (to date), LRTA will continue to monitor these bills and keep you informed:

• HB 26 (Constitutional Amendment) by Rep. Ivey
• HB 32 (Hybrid Plan) by Rep. Ivey
• HB 325 (Medicare-OGB) by Rep. Echols
• HB 680 (Constitutional Convention) by Rep. Wright

LRTA anticipates the Senate Retirement Committee to meet to hear bills from the House. The regular session is scheduled to end on June 1. However, there are conversations about a possible special session. LRTA will continue to notify our members with appropriate updates.

As a reminder, our members are not encouraged to attend committee meetings because the majority of retirees are considered to be at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LRTA is committed to providing you with timely updates and quality service to the best of our abilities during this time. The staff is continuing to work remotely and monitor the Louisiana Legislature. We are still working and fighting for you, and we hope you are staying safe and healthy during this time. Thank you, once again, for staying vigilant and taking action. There is power in our numbers!

Regards,
Rodney R. Watson
LRTA Executive Director