Creates an Ad Hoc Interim Joint Legislative Committee on Budgetary Procedure
Impact
The establishment of this committee could lead to significant changes in how Louisiana's state budget is developed and reviewed. As the committee engages in its study, it may find areas where current procedures hinder transparency, category clarity, or accountability in budgetary allocations. Recommendations from the committee are expected to enhance existing state budget processes and possibly introduce new practices that ensure a more precise understanding of expenditures across various categories such as personal services and operational expenses.
Summary
HCR158 is a House Concurrent Resolution that establishes the Ad Hoc Interim Joint Legislative Committee on Budgetary Procedure in Louisiana. The primary objective of this committee is to study the feasibility of modifying the format and procedures related to the development, implementation, and review of the state budget. The committee is tasked with making recommendations to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget with a deadline set for sixty days prior to the 2014 Regular Session of the Legislature. This initiative arises from the recognition of challenges in the current budgeting approach and aims to evaluate and potentially refine it for improved clarity and efficiency.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR158 appears to be largely favorable among legislators who see the need for a thorough reevaluation of budgetary procedures. Supporters argue that the current system is inefficient and lacks necessary detail, advocating that a fresh approach could lead to better fiscal governance in the state. However, as with many legislative initiatives, there may also be skepticism and calls for careful scrutiny to ensure that any proposed changes do not unintentionally complicate or undermine existing frameworks.
Contention
While generally well-received, some points of contention may arise regarding the composition of the committee and the scope of its authority. Concerns could be raised regarding potential biases based on who is appointed to the committee, as these members could influence the outcomes of the review process. Additionally, the timeline for recommendations and the commitment from legislators to act on these recommendations will be crucial in determining the actual impact of this resolution on state budgeting practices.
Provides for an in-depth study of the need for and for a plan for the conduct of a constitutional convention, creates a committee for such purpose, and expresses legislative intent to call a convention based upon the results of such study
To Reorganize The Standing Committees And The Subject Matter Interim Committees Of The House Of Representatives; To Rename The Joint Committee On Energy And The Joint Interim Committee On Energy.
Creates the Task Force on Bullying Prevention in Public Schools to study the procedures and processes by which incidents of bullying are reported and investigated
Requests the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to meet and function as a joint committee to study the organization of state government with a focus on abolishing or merging one or more departments in order to provide for creation of the Department of Elderly Affairs as provided in House Bill No. 352 of the 2013 R.S.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.