Louisiana House Bill HCR165

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/21/12
• Engrossed: 5/21/12
• Refer: 5/22/12

Caption

Requests the legislative auditor to identify expenditures of proceeds collected by the state but not deposited into the treasury and general fund expenditures not appropriated by the legislature

Impact

If enacted, this resolution could significantly affect how state expenditures are monitored and reported. By identifying non-deposited funds and non-appropriated expenditures, the legislative auditor aims to ensure that all financial activities are documented and bring greater oversight to parts of the budget that may currently evade scrutiny. The resolution reflects an effort to strengthen the state’s fiscal responsibility and accountability, engendering a system where all expenditures are accounted for and justifiable to the public and legislators alike.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 165 (HCR165) aims to enhance transparency and accountability in state financial operations by urging the legislative auditor to identify and report on the expenditures of proceeds collected by the state that have not been deposited into the treasury, as well as to examine funds designated as 'Non-Appropriated Requirements'. This comes in the context of concerns regarding the oversight of entities that receive public funds but do not undergo the same level of scrutiny as traditionally appropriated funds by the legislature. The resolution intends for the findings to be reported back to the legislature prior to the commencement of the 2013 Regular Session, which highlights a proactive approach to financial management within the state government framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR165 appears to be one of cautious optimism among supporters who value transparency and accountability in state spending. Stakeholders are generally in favor of measures that lead to improved oversight of public funds. However, there could be apprehension among entities that rely on non-appropriated funds, fearing that increased scrutiny may impact their operations or funding status in the future. This dynamic underscores a balance that needs to be maintained between ensuring accountability and supporting the operational needs of various public entities.

Contention

The main points of contention around HCR165 stem from the potential implications for entities that receive funds outside of the traditional appropriation process. Some may argue that enhanced oversight could create barriers to funding and flexibility for these entities. Additionally, there are concerns about how comprehensive the audit will be and the capacity of the legislative auditor to thoroughly investigate and report findings in a timely manner. Therefore, while the bill is framed as a move towards greater financial accountability, it also raises questions about the consequences for various stakeholders involved.