HLS 12RS-363 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 23
BY REPRESENTATIVE ORTEGO
TRANSPORTATION: Creates the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task Force
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To authorize and direct creation of the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task Force; to2
provide for membership, powers, and duties of the task force; to provide for a report3
of its business; and to provide for related matters.4
WHEREAS, the heritage of Louisiana's French-speaking people is one of the5
treasures of the unique and distinctive culture and lifestyle that originated in and have6
flourished in the southern region of our state; and7
WHEREAS, there are approximately one quarter of a million French-speaking8
citizens and a million residents of French-language heritage in Louisiana, and millions of9
dollars are spent annually in our state by French-speaking visitors; and10
WHEREAS, providing an official state map in the French language and uniform11
bilingual highway signage would encourage the preservation of south Louisiana's French12
cultural heritage and would provide important services to French-speaking residents and13
visitors alike.14
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby15
authorize and direct the creation of the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task Force.16
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task17
Force is hereby created and shall be composed of eleven members. The membership of the18
task force shall be as follows:19
(1) The secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development or his20
designee.21 HLS 12RS-363 ORIGINAL
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(2) A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the1
House of Representatives.2
(3) A member of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.3
(4) The lieutenant governor or his designee.4
(5) Seven people appointed by the Council for the Development of French in5
Louisiana (CODOFIL).6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the members shall commence on7
August 1, 2012, and shall terminate on March 1, 2013.8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the initial meeting of the task force shall be9
convened no later than August 1, 2012, by the secretary of the Department of Transportation10
and Development. At such initial meeting, the members of the task force shall select from11
among its membership a chair and such other officers as it deems necessary. The task force12
shall provide for the manner and frequency of meetings that will be conducted and for all13
other ancillary administrative matters which must be determined in order to function as a14
task force.15
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve at the16
pleasure of the appointing authority, and vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the17
original appointment. Task force members shall not receive compensation or a per diem for18
serving on the task force; however, legislative members of the task force shall receive the19
same per diem and travel allowance as is normally provided for meetings of legislative20
committees, payable out of funds appropriated for expenses of the legislature.21
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be authorized and directed22
to study, evaluate, analyze, and review all aspects of the feasibility of creating and producing23
an official state map in the French language and uniform bilingual highway signage,24
including but not limited to safety issues, ease of direction, tourism aid, potential sources of25
revenue for the production of such maps and bilingual signage, and for the future26
maintenance of such maps and signage.27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task28
Force shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the House and29 HLS 12RS-363 ORIGINAL
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Senate committees on transportation, highways, and public works no later than March 1,1
2013, and such task force shall officially terminate upon submission of the report.2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the3
secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development, the speaker of the House4
of Representatives, the president of the Senate, the lieutenant governor, and the Council for5
the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL). 6
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Ortego HCR No. 23
Authorizes and directs creation of the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task Force
comprising 11 members to study, evaluate, analyze, and review the feasibility of producing
an official state map in French and uniform bilingual highway signage and to submit a
written report of its findings and recommendations to the House and Senate committees on
transportation, highways, and public works by March 1, 2013.