[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6226121,"mediaKeyId","3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458","parentId",3516031,"title","Committee backs bill allowing firefighters’ board to grant one-time payments to retirees using system funds","audioSeconds",143,"startMs",1081000,"endMs",1224000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458&start=1081&end=1224","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458/thumbnail_1081000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226121/Louisiana/Committee-backs-bill-allowing-firefighters-board-to-grant-one-time-payments-to-retirees-using-system-funds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226121-34a8e8dcafff241d56d41ff8e90ceda0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142635&Signature=D9QexVS8vIWIEYcX-rpDiQLM6GZGkYOdZR~lDiltMLVG5~iZJX61Uxi3DMqer79E28i46-jrDY7ATqhYn4-RnkQvTuBPN-Gh0OFkoDg~O~PM~qqy9~VDqoFBbWizhPRZvZrHomKCFPmhGFX1TORLolZPkzHB61nyLtQkBf8rpvZ0ul9unsCPO5H8iKqZ39Kj97DLEQVdLisD3AoT4h8bDT4wIY1uWYjFHkRnM7Hhjte2-TPVefTPMmP1xgMzaxrJbkT8RbaODJfhULNrIUbX6N0ih2VR0CqdNAyU1zzPsusu9qIX46rlhxogSxmTlgnBYPdLxllYfXKiLM4tn9S0NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","Chad Major, representing professional firefighters, told the Senate Finance Committee that House Bill 18 would authorize the firefighters’ retirement board to make a one-time payment to retirees from funds the board has set aside. Major said similar systems elsewhere have a mechanism—an account the board controls—to provide nonrecurring payments to retirees, and the bill would grant the firefighters’ board that authority.

Barbara Goodson of the Firefighters’ Retirement System told the committee the board generated roughly $6,000,000 in a separate account over the past year by keeping the employer rate above the actuary’s required level when setting rates. “The board felt very strongly that we needed to do something for the retirees because we have not been able to give a COLA by law in about 15 years,” Goodson said. She confirmed the system’s action produced the current balance and that the bill would give the board authority to distribute a one-time payment if the board votes to do so.

Chad Major said the bill would allow the board to provide, if it so chooses, a one-time $2,000 payment to retirees this year as a cost-of-living or one-time payment; the amount and timing would be at the board’s discretion under the authority the bill would provide. Senators from both parties supported the measure in committee and moved the bill favorable.

Committee members said the bill would align the firefighters’ system with other retirement boards that already have similar authority and praised the proposal as a way to help retirees facing higher living costs. The committee reported HB18 favorable with no recorded opposition in the transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Finance May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee voted to report House Bill 18 favorable; the bill would authorize the firefighters’ retirement board to make a one-time payment to retirees using funds set aside by the system, with testimony noting roughly $6 million currently available.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226125,"Committee clears bill requiring validated firefighter training for supplemental-pay eligibility",221,778000,999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458&start=778&end=999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458/thumbnail_778000.jpg","/articles/6226125/Louisiana/Committee-clears-bill-requiring-validated-firefighter-training-for-supplemental-pay-eligibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226125-6ddf2f211ea7f2f8dc908cc018a9bf0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142635&Signature=LkU6zwVcRzmw5mZF-5nrGDFypkgrl2T7y-NmTl16YGjKwQZGQu9EQbkIdi9OxKj1ich3VlFgqqNWtgoGe3tswJzJ7B1LGSQbQ7pOTZ~0UuEIcPNmk0kkZbJ32U8tiNyoczzguvqMfsdvkOL2Nc6VrhlLcS-Ylmy2jeQh~w6dbPLypPI2Pk~vM1yuHjvmbv8-8UagSGI4SwhVuhepCG~ejE-wbLuRi9n07pvLnOzFNQUwG~ZZD8c9dUYgIO8~5NB3hCH1xhfP6YGa-p-0wPZFjXgnKM7UAfZrIsw0C4iVgJNZou8wBvcml7oWzVmD7GrmN2Xlm~DDZy2g~cECOe4aoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Duran presented a measure that would require firefighters seeking supplemental pay to complete training from a Pro Board–accredited agency or an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)–approved entity, to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and to have certification validated by the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy (FEDA).

Chad Robertson of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs explained that national standards had changed and cited updates such as the addition of a “1010” designation at the national level; the bill aims to ensure that equivalent out-of-state certifications and newer national codes qualify for state supplemental pay. Robertson said FEDA will serve as a state vetting authority because the supplemental-pay board needs a single clearinghouse to verify credentials.

Representative Duran and supporters told the committee the change will prevent falsified certifications from causing improper payments. “In the last year or so, we've gotten about 15 fake certifications,” a witness reported; the bill would require FEDA to vet certifications and provide the supplemental-pay board with validation.

Senators expressed support and said the measure will clarify the supplemental-pay approval process for applicants with out-of-state or alternative national certifications. The committee reported the bill favorable; witnesses from firefighter organizations registered in support and did not request to speak.","A Senate committee voted favorably on a bill that requires pro-board or IFSAC-approved training, compliance with NFPA standards, and validation by the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy for firefighters to qualify for supplemental pay.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226131,"Senate committee voluntarily defers bill to standardize court-reporter fees after members raise implementation questions",144,425000,569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458&start=425&end=569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458/thumbnail_425000.jpg","/articles/6226131/Louisiana/Senate-committee-voluntarily-defers-bill-to-standardize-court-reporter-fees-after-members-raise-implementation-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226131-f088e863a110e86f10b329cfd2b69c8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142635&Signature=iXFQCjnDGPBu7UtbGVbpWzuMLv5g3huPbGV1gPhNC2qPmhfz4rn1jnmpbkPKj96bOvjjxrinUduppVAXPvCeTLb1qcMgM-cgO9-XuIVKCBING~mpCaHeeDMPPveTvNEmk7xpR0GcIuRPX-Pski6UaEqkLzG2AtPAbNz5vqj~0ScdvX~u7obcvm52DvVh~REEDBgYkQlElEq97freGJ2VaenVAgEVS42h2leKnTSPij7pAi9m42kZee9MXGGqloZqM-N4Su018uVjcXyYR5Pkh32z67e2UO-jXmg8EkwLNYu0uKHZ4y3hKETeAQb-9wX2TAlwzoqA3Fo88DEdwnoguA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Muscarello presented House Bill 155 to the Senate Finance Committee as a measure to standardize per-page transcription rates for court reporters across the state and to clarify sitting and expedited fees.

Jennifer Egan of the Louisiana Supreme Court said the bill was prompted by three issues: widely varying court-reporter fees across jurisdictions, a state shortage of certified court reporters, and the need to clarify sitting and expedited fees. “In the last 5 years, we have lost 200 certified court reporters,” Egan told the committee, noting the number fell from about 1,200 to about 900.

Senators raised questions about local practices. Representative Muscarello and committee members described a provision that allowed judges, in some districts, via en banc action, to set higher rates—an unintended “landmine” that would undercut a statewide cap. Members said technology and local rate-setting differences required further stakeholder work.

Representative Edmonds moved to voluntarily defer the bill so sponsors could consult stakeholders and return with revised language. The committee agreed and deferred HB155. The sponsor said he intends to continue stakeholder engagement and seek a proposal that standardizes rates without creating unintended pay cuts or local conflicts.","House Bill 155, which would standardize court reporter transcription rates and clarify related fees, was voluntarily deferred by the Senate Finance Committee after sponsors and members cited concerns about local variations and implementation details.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226135,"Senate panel advances bill requiring state agencies to report immigration-related service use; adds federal verification tool",254,95000,349000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458&start=95&end=349","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516031-c05d708476853c3ff8438f1e503ce458/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/6226135/Louisiana/Senate-panel-advances-bill-requiring-state-agencies-to-report-immigration-related-service-use-adds-federal-verification-tool","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226135-a95505edb319784dbdc2875e81435846/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142635&Signature=KJVUhBiZ4xR34DxuPzbab0UokFgbPQeoUwPGYt75pnvX3KmLevH-lAOOMp51bb~6AvmXdmKQ8xqDP8mPTLigLX1PN-g~gb0ty10jObVtdhKUo4D5FAwMcpkIW~myPmfGL8Ff9Q4RCDhtoQuk~k56L1L7R6HYhfNRMoNT9QIf01xDXTKEV8M97779Asv9SIy0nvMdCsWgSvKqjmZxJro~1YqBOTq77BRKUxBkdPuig7gocbWZ5xw6cmmVI93tWwCACtzvqnAYi-84UlgHm2z4OV1VFdBG47RUGAztxqFCq-rXEjLvzSu~vV4eVp~TEOlKXvZxPeRdUOEeNInyS0tiOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Meegez, sponsor of Senate Bill 100, told the Louisiana Senate Finance Committee that the bill would codify Governor Landry’s executive order (JML 2405) and require state agencies listed in the bill to provide the Legislature, one week before session each year, a report identifying services and amounts of taxpayer resources used related to immigration.

The bill was amended in committee. A technical amendment renamed “Department of Justice” to “Attorney General,” and a substantive amendment added language allowing use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Online Service administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). “This is a database…to instantly check citizenship verification,” Senator Meegez said, adding, “we appreciate the Trump administration putting this into place.”

Committee members and staff noted privacy concerns raised by some agencies. Senator Meegez pointed to a privacy section in the bill that says listed state agencies must “adhere to federal immigration laws and any other law, federal law included, that deals with confidentiality or privacy of information gathered, compiled, reported and published.” That provision, she said, requires compliance with applicable federal confidentiality and privacy requirements.

Attorney General’s Office staff member Larry Freeman told the committee he had nothing further to add beyond the sponsor’s explanation.

Senator Boudreaux offered a committee amendment identified as “22 18” addressing the bill’s fiscal language; the amendment was adopted. Senator Edmonds then moved the bill favorable as amended. The committee recorded one witness card for Invested Louisiana; the witness did not wish to speak. Committee leadership reported no opposition and moved SB100 forward with the adopted amendments.

The bill now proceeds in the legislative process with the committee’s amendments and the committee-reported fiscal language.","The Senate Finance Committee advanced Senate Bill 100, which would require listed state agencies to report annually on services and taxpayer resources used related to immigration, add the federal SAVE verification system for eligibility checks and include a privacy clause referencing federal law.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs bill allowing firefighters’ board to grant one-time payments to retirees using system funds

Committee clears bill requiring validated firefighter training for supplemental-pay eligibility

Senate committee voluntarily defers bill to standardize court-reporter fees after members raise implementation questions

Senate panel advances bill requiring state agencies to report immigration-related service use; adds federal verification tool