Louisiana House Bill HB189

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11

Caption

Prohibits the appropriation of one time money available for appropriation for ordinary recurring expenses without consent of 2/3 of the elected members of each house of the legislature

Impact

The implementation of HB 189 would directly affect how the state manages its finances, compelling the executive budget to outline sources of any one-time funds and restricts these funds from being utilized for regular operating expenses without legislative consent. This regulation could lead to a more disciplined budgeting process and potentially safeguard against the risk of fiscal over-reliance on irregular funding sources that could jeopardize fiscal health in the long term.

Summary

House Bill 189 seeks to establish stricter controls over the appropriation of state funds by prohibiting the use of one-time available funds for ordinary recurring expenses unless authorized by a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Louisiana legislature. This bill aims to protect the stability of the state's budget by ensuring that one-time funding sources, which may include court settlements or proceeds from the sale of state assets, are not misused to cover ongoing operational costs that demand more consistent financial planning.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding HB 189 appears to convey a generally supportive sentiment among those favoring fiscal responsibility and legislative oversight in financial appropriations. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to prevent budgetary mismanagement and ensure that financial planning aligns with the state's recurring needs. However, concerns regarding potential legislative gridlock or delays in budget approval for essential services could reflect dissenting feelings, highlighting the challenges inherent in requiring supermajority approval for certain funding measures.

Contention

Opposition to HB 189 may arise from critics who believe it could hinder the state's flexibility to respond quickly to financial needs, especially in emergencies when immediate funding is necessary. Furthermore, some legislators might argue that such restrictions could lead to political maneuvers that complicate the appropriations process, thereby affecting the timely delivery of state services and potentially leaving gaps in funding where flexibility is crucial.