Requires New Orleans Dept. of Safety and Permits to make permits and other information available on the Internet (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Impact
The legislation is expected to improve the efficiency and accessibility of important information related to safety and permits in New Orleans. By requiring the timely posting of decisions online within three business days, the bill aims to facilitate quicker access for residents and stakeholders. Additionally, if the department fails to post required documents on time, no delay in the appeal process will commence until the information is posted, emphasizing the importance of prompt communication from the department to the public.
Summary
House Bill 657 mandates the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits to publicly share regulatory information via the Internet. This includes details on applications, inspections, permits, enforcement actions, and appeal processes. By establishing a more transparent approach to how the department operates, the bill seeks to inform the public about decisions that affect them, thereby enhancing community engagement and accountability. The new requirements aim to bring clarity to the regulatory activities that often remain opaque to the general public.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 657 appears to be generally positive, emphasizing the need for greater transparency in government operations. Supporters, including local representatives and community advocates, have highlighted the importance of accessible information for residents and businesses affected by the department's decisions. While there may not be significant opposition noted, any contention would likely stem from concerns over the implementation of such transparency measures and potential impacts on departmental workload.
Contention
If implemented, HB 657 would require a shift in operations within the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits, potentially leading to discussions on the resources necessary to uphold these new obligations. The bill places the onus of transparency on the department, which may lead to concerns about increased administrative burdens. However, the greater transparency is positioned as beneficial for community trust, though it may require adjustments in how the department manages record-keeping and public communication.
Requires governing authorities of parishes and municipalities to make meeting agendas, minutes, and votes available on the Internet (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)