Louisiana House Bill HR9

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/24/11
• Passed: 6/8/11

Caption

Requests the House clerk and sergeant at arms to recommend to the Speaker procedures for the inspection of deliveries to members on the House Floor and to submit to the House and Governmental Affairs Committee recommendations relative to House Rules prior to the 2012 Regular Session

Impact

The resolution mandates that recommendations for these policies and procedures be submitted to the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs at least sixty days before the 2012 Regular Session. It emphasizes considerations for routing all deliveries through designated offices and introduces the possibility of using transparent envelopes to allow visibility of contents. The intention is to create a more secure environment for House members, thereby impacting how they receive communications and materials during legislative sessions.

Summary

House Resolution No. 9 (HR9) aims to enhance the procedures for inspecting mail and packages delivered to members of the House of Representatives in Louisiana. Introduced by Representative Patricia Smith, the bill responds to growing concerns over the safety, legitimacy, and appropriateness of deliveries that House members receive daily. HR9 urges the clerk and the sergeant at arms to work collaboratively to develop detailed policies for inspection that ensure members' safety, while confirming the identity of senders and the content of items received on the House floor.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment regarding HR9 appears to be supportive, as it addresses important security concerns that arise from unregulated deliveries to public officials. The proactive nature of the resolution suggests a commitment to transparency and safety within legislative operations, which is generally viewed positively among House members and the public alike.

Contention

Notably, while HR9 prioritizes safety, it also seeks to balance the need for effective communication among members. Concerns may arise about potential delays in receiving important materials or messages if strict inspection protocols are implemented. Exceptions for deliveries from certain authorized individuals also recognize the need for efficient communication while still ensuring safety protocols are in place.