Requests the Board of Ethics to work with the office of facility planning and control to determine the potential costs and feasibility of installing audio-video equipment in the board's meeting room to record, archive, and broadcast board meetings
Impact
The resolution, if implemented, could mark a considerable step towards modernizing how government bodies communicate with the public. By facilitating the live broadcasting of meetings and archiving recordings online, HCR51 promotes transparency, allowing citizens across Louisiana to stay informed about ethical governance. This could potentially influence how legislative bodies approach public engagement in the future, encouraging more proactive communication strategies.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 51 (HCR51) calls for the Board of Ethics to collaborate with the office of facility planning and control to assess the potential costs and feasibility of installing audio-video equipment in its meeting room. The resolution aims to enhance transparency by enabling the recording, archiving, and broadcasting of Board meetings. Given the board's significant role in overseeing ethical conduct, campaign finance, and lobbying rules, having accessible meetings could foster greater public trust and engagement.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HCR51 appears to be favorable, as it reflects a commitment to transparency in government. The public’s increasing interest in political processes underscores the necessity for such initiatives. Advocates for the resolution argue that it can help demystify governmental operations, enhance accountability, and engage citizens more effectively, thereby strengthening democratic processes.
Contention
While the resolution itself does not seem to raise major points of contention, discussions could arise regarding budgetary constraints or prioritization of resources within the state's governance framework. There may be concerns regarding the implementation costs versus the potential benefits of increased public access. Ensuring the technology's efficacy and reliability in providing clear broadcasts could also present challenges further along the resolution's path to implementation.
Requires the Board of Regents to broadcast on the Internet the audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge and to archive the audio and video of such meetings
Requires BESE to broadcast on the Internet the audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge and to archive the audio and video of such meetings (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)