Louisiana House Bill HB149

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/15/10
• Engrossed: 4/27/10
• Report Pass: 6/1/10
• Enrolled: 6/10/10
• Chaptered: 6/17/10
• Passed: 6/17/10

Caption

Authorizes per diem for the members of the St. Helena Parish Tourist Commission (EN +$4,800 LF EX See Note)

Impact

The enactment of HB 149 is expected to have a modest financial impact on the commission’s budget, estimated at an additional $4,800 per fiscal year. This law provides clarification and stipulates restrictions on how per diem payments are administered, which contributes to a more formalized structure of compensation for commission members. It signifies a recognition of the tourism sector's importance to local economies and the need to support those who govern it.

Summary

House Bill 149 authorizes the St. Helena Parish Tourist Commission to pay its members a per diem for attending meetings. Specifically, it allows each commissioner to receive up to fifty dollars for each meeting attended, with a cap of twelve meetings per year. This bill is aimed at providing a financial incentive for participation in the commission's activities, recognizing the time and effort required to attend meetings and contribute to tourism initiatives in the parish.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 149 appears to be generally positive among supporters who see the bill as a necessary step to incentivize participation in local governance. By compensating commission members for their time, it is believed that engagement in tourism development efforts will increase, potentially benefiting the local economy. However, there may also be concerns regarding fiscal responsibility and whether such expenditures are justified in light of the commission’s overall funds and priorities.

Contention

While the bill does not seem to face significant opposition, it may raise questions about the appropriateness of per diem payments for public officials in a time of tight budgets. Critics could argue that, even with limits in place, the additional expenses could be better allocated to direct tourism programs or projects that promote economic growth rather than compensating members. Therefore, discussions around HB 149 may revolve around the potential trade-offs of public spending and local governance effectiveness.