Louisiana House Bill HB1390

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/10
• Refer: 4/21/10
• Report Pass: 4/29/10

Caption

Sets per diem for members of the legislature

Impact

The implementation of HB 1390 will provide clarity and predictability regarding per diem compensation for legislative members. This change is expected to simplify the compensation process and ensure that all legislators are compensated equally for their daily attendance at the state capital. However, this legislation is time-limited, as it will revert to using the federal per diem rate after two years. This temporary adjustment lays the groundwork for a potential discussion on long-term compensation strategies for state legislators.

Summary

House Bill 1390 seeks to amend the compensation structure for members of the Louisiana legislature by establishing their per diem allowance at a fixed rate. Specifically, the bill sets the per diem amount to $159 per day for legislative members during their attendance at sessions. This new rate replaces the previous compensation structure that was based on allowable federal per diem deductions outlined in federal law. The proposed changes indicate a strategic shift towards a standardized per diem rate, independent of varying federal benchmarks.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 1390 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who appreciate the initiative to standardize compensation amid the complexities of federal benchmarks. However, some members might express concerns regarding the potential implications of reverting back to federal standards after the two-year period, raising questions about long-term fiscal planning and legislative priorities. Overall, the sentiment reflects a consensus on the need for predictable legislative compensation, but also highlights the apprehensions tied to its temporary nature.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from the bill's sunset provision, which mandates that the fixed per diem rate be discontinued after two years, reverting to the previous structure based on federal law. Opponents of this aspect of the bill may argue that this creates uncertainty and does not consider the inflationary adjustments that may be necessary for maintaining adequate compensation over time. The debate centers around achieving a balance between appropriate compensation for legislators and the financial implications for the state budget.