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APRIL 2022
The 2022 Regular Legislative Session convened March 14. TRSL is monitoring a number of bills that impact the System and its members, including legislation to change laws that govern the re-employment of TRSL members after retirement. Here’s information about some of the more notable bills we’re keeping an eye on.
Return to Work (RTW)
Eight bills focused on the state’s RTW laws have been filed to help address the current teacher shortage in Louisiana. While legislators in both chambers have put forth a variety of proposals, all are aimed at bringing more retired teachers back into the classroom. Other proposed changes would relax the current requirements for school districts to hire RTW retirees. Several bills have sunset dates, essentially stipulating that the proposed changes would be temporary as the state looks for ways to attract more people to the teaching profession. A listing of all eight RTW bills can be found on our website. 
Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Certain employees in higher education can make an irrevocable election to participate in the ORP, which is a defined contribution retirement plan similar to a 401K plan, rather than join TRSL. Senate Bill 10 (Sens. Morris and Luneau) would allow ORP members who are active and contributing to the ORP by May 1, 2022, to transfer to the TRSL defined benefit plan on an actuarial basis. ORP members would have until June 30, 2028, to transfer and pay the actuarial cost of receiving service credit for their years of ORP participation. 
Permanent Benefit Increase (PBI)
A bill to give eligible TRSL retired members, beneficiaries and survivors their first benefit increase in six years is making its way through the legislative process. Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Price) would grant a 2% PBI on July 1, 2022 if it passes the legislature and receives the governor’s approval. The increase would be calculated on the first $68,396 of  the retirement benefit. Approximately 76,700 recipients are eligible for the PBI.
Supplemental Debt Payments
Two bills would provide additional payments to the unfunded accrued liability (UAL). House Bill 592 (Rep. Zeringue) would make a supplemental appropriation of $48.1 million to the TRSL initial unfunded accrued liability (IUAL) from a portion of the FY 2020-21 surplus funds in the state treasury. House Bill 29 (Rep. Nelson) proposes a constitutional amendment to appropriate 50% of nonrecurring state revenue to the UAL of the four state retirement systems, which are TRSL, state employees, school employees, and state police. The funds could not be used for COLAs. If passed, the constitutional amendment would be on the ballot November 8, 2022.
TRSL Investments
House Bill 25 (Rep. McCormick) would prohibit retirement systems from investing in companies having policies that prohibit investing in energy companies; doing business with energy companies; and entering into contracts with energy companies or with any class or group of companies within the energy sector. 
Other legislation affecting TRSL: 
For information on other legislation TRSL is monitoring, including the positions taken by the TRSL Board of Trustees, visit TRSL's Legislation page of our website.
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Interested in serving as a TRSL board representative?
TRSL will hold four active member elections for board seats representing Colleges & Universities, District 1, District 7, and Superintendents.
Interested in serving? The deadline to qualify is quickly approaching! 
Qualifying ends at 4:30 p.m., April 29. View eligibility requirements and qualifying instructions on our website at www.TRSL.org/elections.
Election ballots to be mailed later this year. 
In August, eligible voters in these elections will be mailed election ballots to the address on file with TRSL.   
Need to update your address? Log in to your Member Access account to update or confirm that your current contact information on the file is correct. DROP members can update their mailing information by completing the Change of Address Form 2AC.
If you need assistance with Member Access, contact TRSL’s Help Desk at 225-925-6460. Or toll free outside the Baton Rouge area: at 1-877-275-8775.

RETIREMENT PREP: Get a headstart on your retirement


TRSL is here to help you get miles ahead on your retirement journey. And the best part is, our resources are not a million miles away. 
  • Calculate your benefit estimate. No need to guess what your monthly benefit will be once you retire. Log into Member Access and use our calculators to get an accurate benefit estimate. Need a tutorial? View our short crash course on creating a benefit estimate.
  • Connect with us virtually or in person. Our staff is available to help with questions by phone, email, office visits or virtual meetings. For more information contact us at TRSL.org/AskTRSL or (225) 925-6446.
We're here to help. Our resources will help put you in control of your retirement planning. Start now — your future self will thank you later. 

You're always first in line with Member Access

Did you get married recently? Or maybe you need to check the accuracy of your sick leave reported to TRSL?  Member Access can help. This secure platform has many self-service functions that you can use at your convenience.
Check out all that you can do.

View your retirement account
• Member account statement
• Sick leave balance
• Account history: view past and current earnings, contributions and service credit

Use self-service features
• Update your name, email and mailing address.

(NOTE: Members in DROP must complete TRSL forms to request changes to their personal information.)

Ready to Retire?
• Estimate your retirement benefit
• Apply for retirement.
• Need to register? Get started by visiting www.TRSL.org/memberaccess.

Here’s a tip: Register using your personal email address so you an access your account even if you change employers or retire.
QUESTIONS? Ask TRSL!  www.trsl.org/AskTRSL.org
PO Box 94123 | Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9123 US
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