Louisiana House Bill HR149

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/10
• Refer: 6/10/10
• Report Pass: 6/15/10

Caption

Provides that the name of the requesting member of an amendment to the general appropriation bill or the capital outlay bill be public

Impact

If enacted, HR149 would fundamentally alter the procedure for handling amendments in budgetary discussions by prohibiting motions for amendments unless the requestor's identity is made public. This requirement is intended to prevent covert lobbying and influence over legislative decisions, potentially altering how amendments are proposed and debated. The incorporation of public notification on amendments may lead to more scrutiny and less partisan maneuvering behind closed doors, ultimately impacting fiscal governance at the state level.

Summary

House Resolution 149 seeks to enhance transparency within the legislative process by mandating that the names of requestors for amendments to the General Appropriation Bill and Capital Outlay Bill be publicly disclosed prior to any motion to adopt such amendments. This rule aims to ensure that members of the House and the public are aware of who is advocating for changes in these significant fiscal documents, thereby fostering accountability in the amendment process.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HR149 appears to be predominantly supportive among proponents of transparency and accountability in government. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for ensuring ethical practices and building public trust in governmental processes. Conversely, there may be some concerns from members who prefer to operate with certain legislative discretion or fear that public disclosure could lead to unintended backlash against them or the interests they represent.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of mandatory public disclosure for the legislative process. Some legislators may worry that revealing the names of individuals or entities requesting amendments could discourage participation or lead to a chilling effect, where less familiar constituents or smaller organizations refrain from advocating for their interests. Additionally, the logistics of effectively implementing this transparency requirement, including developing the necessary processes and systems for public notification, may pose challenges.