Provides for the eligibility of certain positions within the office of the constable of the Second City Court of the city of New Orleans for membership in the Municipal Employees' Retirement System of Louisiana (MERS). (gov sig) (EG NO IMPACT APV)

Senate Bill 22 amends the Louisiana Revised Statutes governing the Municipal Employees' Retirement System of Louisiana by adding city court marshals and constables as a new category of participating employer within MERS. The bill specifically enacts a new provision in R.S. 11:1732(14)(a)(xiv) that designates marshals or constables of city courts as eligible employers in the retirement system, provided these employees are not already eligible for membership in any other local, state, or statewide retirement system. This addition expands the list of enumerated employers authorized to participate in MERS, allowing employees in these positions to establish retirement benefits under the system's framework.

The practical effect of this legislation directly benefits employees of city court marshals' and constables' offices, particularly those serving in the New Orleans Second City Court system referenced in the bill's title, though the statutory language applies more broadly to all city court marshals and constables meeting the eligibility criteria. Employees in these positions who lack coverage under alternative retirement systems gain access to MERS membership, which provides retirement income benefits through a defined benefit plan. The bill also affects the participating employers themselves by bringing their retirement obligations within the MERS framework, which may alter their contribution requirements and fiduciary responsibilities.

Senate Bill 22 operates within the existing structure established by Chapter 11 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, which governs all state and municipal retirement systems. The MERS system itself is established under this same chapter and currently maintains a defined list of participating employers that may be public bodies, municipalities, or specific types of public employees. The restriction in the proposed language limiting participation to those "not otherwise eligible for membership in any other local, state, or statewide retirement system" ensures there is no duplicate coverage or conflicting retirement arrangements. The bill becomes effective immediately upon gubernatorial signature or the expiration of the time allowed for gubernatorial action without signature, as specified in the Louisiana Constitution.