The 2012 Session is about 1/3 done and must end by June 4. With the Governor's K12 Education Package mostly completed, the legislature is moving onto other big items for consideration such as retirement reforms. This multi-bill set got its first test in the House Retirement Committee this week chaired by Rep. Pearson. After hours of testimony, three bills were moved favorable, including system consolidation, retirement board representation, and the "cash balance" bill which moves the state from a defined contribution to a 401k type program. The tougher retirement changes await debate.
With eight weeks left in the Session, there are many other bills to be addressed, with about 1900 bills filed, of which the Northshore Legislative Alliance (NLA) is tracking more than 50 of particular interest to the local business community.
The weekly Legislative Update recaps bills of high interest that are moving, and legislative action forecast for the week ahead. More information can be found on the state website at www.legis.state.la.us
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Highlights of Bills passed in Committee:HB 54 Pearson - Retirement System Board Membership
HB 60 Pearson - Retirement-Merger into Teachers' System
HB 61 Pearson - Retirement-Cash Balance Plan
Highlights of Bills passed on the Floor:SB 617 Donahue - St. Tammany Parish Development Dist. Board
THE WEEK AHEAD -- COMMITTEE SCHEDULE
(No NLA tracked bills posted yet)
Some committees do not post their agenda until the day before a hearing, and bills posted are subject to change with short notice
Senate Retirement
MONDAY - 4/16/12 9:30 a.m., Rm. E
SB 47 (1) Guillory, E.L. - Provides relative to the final average compensation in the State Employees' Retirement System and the Teachers' Retirement System.
SB 51 (1) Guillory, E.L. - Provides relative to retirement eligibility for certain members of the La. State Employees' Retirement System and the Teachers' Retirement System of La.
SB 52 (1) Guillory, E.L. - Increases the employee contribution rate for certain members of state retirement systems as relates to the La. State Employees' Retirement System and the Teachers' Retirement System.
Senate Finance
MONDAY - 4/16/12 1:00 p.m., Rm. A-B
SB 548 (1) Riser - Creates the Competitive Projects Payroll Incentive Program which grants rebates of up to 15% of qualifying payroll to certain businesses and rebates of sales tax or capital expenditures if DED determines economic benefit.
SB 567 (1) Riser - Creates the Corporate Headquarters Relocation Program.
Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs
MONDAY - 4/16/12 1:00 p.m., Hainkel Rm.
HB 969 (1) Talbot - Authorizes a rebate for individuals and corporations which donate to certain school tuition organizations relative to state income tax
MAJOR BILLS on SENATE FLOORNo NLA tracked bills scheduled in the Senate.MAJOR BILLS on HOUSE FLOOR Tuesday 4/17SB 581 Appel - La. Early Childhood Education Act Provides for the La. Early Childhood Education Act.
Thursday 4/19HB 504 Dove - Pooling of Ultra Deep Drilling Structures Provides relative to pooling of ultra deep drilling structures
As the 2012 Session continues the Northshore Legislative Alliance may release special updates and alerts, working through its grassroots membership and Legislative Advocate Dino Paternostro of LegisLink, LLC. The business community can monitor Capitol activities on the state website at www.legis.state.la.us.
