Louisiana House Bill HB965

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Requires the Department of Economic Development to include certain details about pending mega-project deals on its website

Impact

The introduction of HB 965 is expected to alter the landscape of state economic development by ensuring that substantial financial commitments to mega-projects are publicly accessible. This move may foster public trust and allow stakeholders, including local communities, to engage more effectively in the economic development process. By requiring the publication of information regarding potential mega-projects, the bill indirectly encourages the Louisiana government to be more cautious and deliberate in its decision-making regarding business subsidies.

Summary

House Bill 965 mandates that the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED) publish detailed information about pending mega-projects on its website. This includes specifics about the parishes being considered for the project's location and the nature of the business receiving subsidies. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability concerning state support for large-scale business ventures, providing citizens with insight into the economic decisions being made on their behalf.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards HB 965 appears to be favorable, with advocates highlighting the bill's potential to improve governmental oversight and transparency. Supporters argue that informed citizens can facilitate more productive discussions surrounding state-funded initiatives. Critics, however, may express concern over whether simply publishing information will lead to meaningful public engagement or action.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 965 may emerge from discussions about how 'mega-projects' are defined and the implications of publicly disclosing details about pending projects. Some may argue that there could be economic risks if competitive information about projects is shared too freely. Furthermore, the bill raises questions about the balance between encouraging economic growth through subsidies and maintaining vigilance against potential misuse of taxpayer funds.