Louisiana House Bill HB248

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Refer: 4/14/10
• Refer: 4/15/10
• Report Pass: 4/19/10

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Eliminates requirement that the acts of the legislature be published in the official journal of the state (RE NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)

Impact

Should HB 248 be enacted, the amendment would directly affect the transparency of legislative actions. Removing the publication requirement could lead to a decrease in public awareness about new laws, as they would no longer be officially published in a widely accessible format. This change could result in fewer people having direct access to upcoming or revised laws, potentially impacting the public's ability to engage with the legislative process.

Summary

House Bill 248 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate the requirement that the acts of the legislature be published in the official journal of the state. Accepting this amendment would shift how laws are disseminated to the public, effectively changing the current requirement set forth in Article III, Section 19 of the Louisiana Constitution. The bill aims to streamline the legislative process and possibly reduce costs associated with publicizing these acts.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 248 indicate a split sentiment among legislators and the public. Proponents argue that the bill would reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and costs, making the legislative process more efficient. Conversely, opponents express concern that abolishing the publication requirement could diminish transparency and accountability within the legislative framework, arguing that the public has a right to be informed about laws that govern them.

Contention

Debate around HB 248 centers on the balance between efficiency and transparency. Advocates for the bill contend that it modernizes legislative procedures, reflecting a need for adaptations in an increasingly digital society. Critics, however, warn that this could lead to a decline in civic engagement and potential misuse of legislative powers if the public is not adequately informed about new laws. The potential consequences of this amendment highlight a fundamental tension between reducing government expenditure and preserving democratic principles of transparency.