Provides relative to recommittal of certain legislative instruments
Impact
If enacted, HR8 would significantly alter the process by which certain legislative measures are handled in the Louisiana House. It narrows the threshold for fiscal impact from the previous limit of $500,000 to $100,000, which could lead to a larger number of legislative items undergoing recommittal and therefore additional review. This change is intended to enhance fiscal oversight and ensure that the financial implications of legislation are considered comprehensively, thus aiming to promote more prudent financial governance.
Summary
House Resolution 8 (HR8), proposed by Representative Norton, seeks to amend House Rule 6.8(F) concerning the recommittal of legislative instruments. This resolution specifically requires that any Senate legislative instrument with an estimated fiscal cost of $100,000 or more annually in state general funds must be referred to the Appropriations Committee if reported by another standing committee. The rule aims to ensure that financial implications of legislative measures are properly scrutinized before they are passed, potentially impacting the budget process and fiscal responsibility within the state government.
Sentiment
The general sentiment regarding HR8 appears to be one of cautious approval from legislators and fiscal watchdogs who see the merit in greater financial scrutiny. However, there are concerns from some quarters about the potential for legislative gridlock, as more bills may face additional layers of review that could delay important legislation. Overall, the discourse surrounding the bill suggests support for its objectives but raises flags about its practical implications for legislative efficiency.
Contention
Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between fiscal oversight and legislative expediency. Proponents argue for the necessity of rigorous financial review to prevent fiscal mismanagement, especially in an environment of budget constraints. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that the stricter recommittal process could stifle timely legislative action and responsiveness, ultimately impacting the efficacy of governance in Louisiana. The debate captures a critical tension in legislative practices: the need for accountability versus the need for action.
Provides for recommittal of any instrument with a specified fiscal impact to the Committee on Appropriations and provides certain requirements for the General Appropriation Bill
Provides for the recommittal of instruments relative to requests to the Louisiana State Law Institute to study matters to the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure
Requires recommittal of certain legislative instruments relative to felonies to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice and removes the requirement to lock the voting machine of a member who fails to answer roll call during Morning Hour No. 1
Revises the rules to remove provisions for the local and consent calendar, major state calendar, and regular calendar, to provide relative to the recommital of certain instruments, and to prohibit lobbying by certain persons with access to the House floor
Relating to secondary-level assessment of public school students and the use of individual graduation committees to satisfy certain public high school graduation requirements.