Louisiana House Bill HB98

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 3/21/12
• Engrossed: 4/2/12
• Refer: 4/3/12
• Report Pass: 5/7/12
• Enrolled: 6/4/12
• Chaptered: 6/11/12
• Passed: 6/11/12

Caption

Authorizes public school boards to name certain school athletic facilities and streets after living persons

Impact

This bill modifies R.S. 17:85, effectively allowing local school boards to establish their own criteria for the naming of facilities and streets, but these criteria are not mandatory for exercising the naming rights. The implications of this legislation extend to the recognition of community members, educators, and local heroes, contributing to a culture of appreciation within school environments. It facilitates not only a way for schools to honor those who have impacted students' lives but also aligns the schools closer to the local sentiments and history.

Summary

House Bill 98, introduced by Representative Thibaut, amends the existing law related to naming rights for streets and athletic facilities under the jurisdiction of local public school boards in Louisiana. The bill authorizes city, parish, and other local public school boards to name or designate certain streets and athletic facilities in honor of living individuals, which is a significant change from prior regulations. This legislative move is aimed at providing school boards with more flexibility and autonomy regarding how they may honor individuals who contribute positively to their communities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 98 appears largely positive as it reflects a progressive step toward enhancing local governance and social recognition. Community leaders and school representatives may view the bill favorably for enabling more personal attributions to local figures, contrasting previous limitations that prevented honoring living persons. However, there may also be concerns among some educators and policymakers regarding potential misuse or bias in the selection process, which could lead to disparities in recognition among deserving individuals.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise on how the criteria for naming spaces are determined and enforced. While the bill provides school boards with the authority to name streets and facilities, the lack of mandatory criteria could result in inconsistent practices across different jurisdictions. This could potentially lead to disputes or dissatisfaction among community members if it appears that favoritism or biases influenced naming decisions. Further discussions might focus on establishing guidelines to ensure fair representation in naming ceremonies.