BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3599

By: Huberty

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding significant changes made by recently enacted legislation to the benefits of members of the firefighter's relief and retirement fund of a certain municipality. H.B. 3599 seeks to address these concerns by allowing for those members under the age of 48 years old to receive annual cost of living adjustments to their applicable benefits.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3599 amends the Revised Statutes, with respect to the firefighter's relief and retirement fund of a municipality that has a population of at least 1.6 million, to make the annual October increase in benefits that begin with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, applicable to the benefits, including survivor benefits, of a member who has terminated active service under the applicable statutory provisions before July 1, 2017, and is or would have been at least 48 years old.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.