Louisiana House Bill HB359

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

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

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Authorizes the appointment of a person to temporarily fill a vacancy in the legislature until the vacancy can be filled by election in the manner provided by law (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Impact

If passed, this bill would directly alter Article III, Sections 4(D) and (F) of the Louisiana Constitution. The new provisions would empower the legislature to establish laws governing the appointment of temporary successors, thereby allowing for a more responsive legislative process. By facilitating a method to temporarily fill vacancies, supporters argue it will ensure that the legislative body remains functional during transitions, ultimately benefiting governance and legislative productivity for the state.

Summary

House Bill 359 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at revising the process for filling vacancies in the Louisiana legislature. The bill allows for the appointment of a temporary successor to fill a legislative vacancy until the position can be filled by election. This change would amend existing provisions of the Louisiana Constitution that currently require vacancies to be filled only through election by the district's voters. The proposed amendment seeks to enhance the continuity of legislative operations by providing a temporary solution in instances where a member cannot fulfill their duties due to various circumstances, such as being called to military service.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 359 appears to be generally supportive among those who prioritize governmental efficiency and continuity. Proponents of the bill believe that having a mechanism to appoint a temporary replacement is essential for maintaining legislative business during unexpected absences. However, there may also be concerns regarding the potential for misuse or political maneuvering in the appointment process, raising questions about the extent to which such appointments might be influenced by partisan considerations.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 359 is the balance between appointment power and electoral integrity. Critics of similar proposals often express concerns that allowing temporary appointments could undermine the democratic principle of direct representation. They argue that, while providing for a temporary successor can be pragmatic, safeguards must be in place to ensure that the appointment process is transparent and insulated from partisan politics. This discussion reflects broader debates about how best to ensure responsiveness in governance while maintaining accountability to voters.