HLS 12RS-363 ENGROSSED
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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 task force shall be authorized and directed17
to study, evaluate, analyze, and review all aspects of the feasibility of creating and producing18
an official state map of locally recognized names as used by native born Louisianans19
including those of Franco-American, Anglo-Celt, Afro-Americans, and Native American20
descent for the use of the general public, tourists, and scholars.21 HLS 12RS-363 ENGROSSED
HCR NO. 23
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task1
Force is hereby created. The membership of the task force shall be as follows:2
(1) The secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development or his3
designee.4
(2) A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the5
House of Representatives.6
(3) A member of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.7
(4) The lieutenant governor or his designee.8
(5) Seven people appointed by the Council for the Development of French in9
Louisiana (CODOFIL).10
(6) One member representing each of the metropolitan planning organizations in the11
state, to be selected by each of the respective organizations.12
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the members shall commence on13
August 1, 2012, and shall terminate on March 1, 2013.14
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the initial meeting of the task force shall be15
convened no later than August 1, 2012, by the secretary of the Department of Transportation16
and Development. At such initial meeting, the members of the task force shall select from17
among its membership a chair and such other officers as it deems necessary. The task force18
shall provide for the manner and frequency of meetings that will be conducted and for all19
other ancillary administrative matters which must be determined in order to function as a20
task force.21
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve at the22
pleasure of the appointing authority, and vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the23
original appointment. Task force members shall not receive compensation or a per diem for24
serving on the task force; however, legislative members of the task force shall receive the25
same per diem and travel allowance as is normally provided for meetings of legislative26
committees, payable out of funds appropriated for expenses of the legislature.27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be authorized and directed28
to study, evaluate, analyze, and review all aspects of the feasibility of creating and producing29
an official state map in the French language and uniform bilingual highway signage,30 HLS 12RS-363 ENGROSSED
HCR NO. 23
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including but not limited to safety issues, ease of direction, tourism aid, potential sources of1
revenue for the production of such maps and bilingual signage, and for the future2
maintenance of such maps and signage.3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Uniform Bilingual Signage and Map Task4
Force shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the House and5
Senate committees on transportation, highways, and public works no later than March 1,6
2013, and such task force shall officially terminate upon submission of the report.7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the8
secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development, the speaker of the House9
of Representatives, the president of the Senate, the lieutenant governor, and the Council for10
the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL). 11
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.