Louisiana House Bill HB292

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11
• Engrossed: 5/4/11
• Report Pass: 5/23/11
• Enrolled: 6/15/11
• Chaptered: 6/28/11
• Passed: 6/28/11

Caption

Provides for litter abatement and enforcement and education programs

Impact

The bill is set to impact various state regulations by reorganizing how litter enforcement is monitored and executed. It confers specific responsibilities onto the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for overseeing litter programs and emphasizes the creation of a new special account dedicated to litter abatement. This alteration indicates a shift in how the state will manage environmental concerns related to littering, promoting a more structured approach in educating citizens while ensuring compliance through enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 292 seeks to enhance litter abatement efforts in Louisiana by amending existing laws related to litter enforcement and education. The bill aims to create a framework for environmental education programs, particularly targeting school curricula, thereby instilling environmental values from a young age. Additionally, it proposes the establishment of a special litter abatement and education account that would collect funds generated from certain fees and fines, enabling further investment in these initiatives.

Sentiment

The discussions surrounding HB 292 reveal a predominantly positive sentiment among proponents who argue that the comprehensive educational efforts will lead to a long-term reduction in littering behaviors across the state. However, there are apprehensions from some stakeholders who are concerned about the practicality of implementation and whether the allocated funds will be sufficient in addressing the complexities of litter abatement effectively.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from debate on the feasibility of fully implementing the educational programs outlined in the bill. The concerns emphasize whether the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will have adequate resources and authority to enforce litter management effectively. Additionally, the incorporation of license plate fees as a revenue source has sparked discussions on whether this approach will meet the funding needs of the environmental initiatives proposed.