House Bill No. 48, introduced by Representative Bacala, amends and reenacts certain provisions of the Sheriffs' Pension and Relief Fund, specifically R.S. 11:2174(B)(1)(b) and (3)(a), while also enacting new sections R.S. 11:2173.1, 2174(B)(6), and 2178(O). The bill expands membership in the fund to include criers of the Louisiana Supreme Court, in addition to existing members such as deputies from the parish of Orleans. It establishes that agencies employing members of the fund must adhere to the same laws and requirements that apply to sheriffs as employers, including the obligation to remit employee and employer contributions from appropriate funding sources.

Additionally, the bill allows current criers of the Louisiana Supreme Court who are members of another retirement system to elect to join the Sheriffs' Pension and Relief Fund by September 30, 2026. It also stipulates that individuals receiving benefits from the Sheriffs' Pension and Relief Fund are ineligible to receive benefits under R.S. 13:75. The proposed changes aim to clarify employer responsibilities and enhance the structure of the pension fund while ensuring compliance with existing laws.

Statutes affected:
HB48 Original: 11:2174(B)(1)
HB48 Engrossed: 11:2174(B)(1)
HB48 Reengrossed: 11:2174(B)(1)