Louisiana House Bill HCR13

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/9/13

Caption

Expresses legislative intent regarding the requirement that the governor clearly differentiate appropriations which rely on other legislative actions such as the transfer of funds

Impact

This resolution impacts the budgetary procedures in Louisiana by mandating that proposals which are not included in the official revenue forecast be itemized distinctly from the executive budget. This requirement helps maintain a clear line between expected revenues and additional proposals that may require further legislative action. It aims to ensure that the governor's additional requests can be scrutinized independently, thereby fostering greater accountability in financial governance.

Summary

HCR13 is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's intent regarding how the governor should differentiate appropriations that rely on other legislative actions, particularly those enhancing state revenues beyond the officially forecasted amounts. The resolution aims to clarify the requirements set forth in R.S. 39:38(A), emphasizing that any revenue enhancement proposals submitted by the governor should be separate from the executive budget recommendations. This clarity is vital to ensure fiscal transparency and responsible budgeting practices within the state government.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR13 appears to reflect a bipartisan acknowledgement of the need for clear budgeting processes. Legislators seem to agree on the importance of transparent financial practices, although the degree of support may vary. Some could view this resolution as unnecessary bureaucracy, while others appreciate it as a step toward fostering a more systematic and responsible approach to fiscal management. Overall, it seems that the focus is on enhancing public confidence in state financial operations.

Contention

While the primary focus of HCR13 is on clarification, there may be contention regarding the implications of such a requirement. Opponents could argue that this addition might complicate or delay the budget approval process by introducing more layers of oversight. Additionally, there may be concerns that this could create friction between the executive branch and the legislature in future budget negotiations, leading to potential challenges in passing timely budgets or funding necessary initiatives.