Louisiana Senate Bill SR8

Louisiana 2011 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 3/24/11
• Refer: 3/24/11
• Report Pass: 4/4/11
• Passed: 4/5/11

Caption

Urges Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee to recommend, and the Louisiana Senate to enact, a Senate redistricting plan that includes the entirety of West Baton Rouge Parish within one Senate district.

Impact

If enacted, SR8 would amend the current representation structure, ensuring that all of West Baton Rouge Parish functions under a unified Senate district. This singular approach aims to enhance the efficacy of local governance by allowing for more focused representation and accountability in the legislature. The intent is to provide the parish with a stronger, singular voice in state matters, which could lead to more tailored legislative attention to local issues and needs.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 8 (SR8) seeks to urge and request the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee of Louisiana to recommend a legislative plan for redistricting that consolidates the entirety of West Baton Rouge Parish into a single Senate district. This is a significant move as, aside from a brief period from 1992 to 2000, the parish has been represented by one Senator since at least 1880. This resolution is rooted in the desire to maintain a cohesive representation of the parish within the Senate, reflecting its historical context and governance needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR8 appears to be largely positive, with a recognition of the historical significance of maintaining a singular representative for the parish. Advocates for the resolution argue that it enhances local governance and allows for more coherent representation in the Senate. The community's support may stem from a desire to preserve a long-standing tradition of representation, which they believe fosters stronger connections between constituents and their elected official.

Contention

While there might be general support for the idea of consolidating representation for West Baton Rouge Parish, discussions around the implications of such a move can highlight concerns about the broader impact on political representation in Louisiana. Contention may arise from perspectives regarding the necessity of preserving existing district boundaries or the potential consequences on electoral competition and community interests as they relate to other surrounding districts. Therefore, while the resolution seeks to clarify and strengthen local representation, it may also bring to light larger questions about redistricting fairness and electoral integrity.