Requests the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to study the issues relative to the merger of one or more state departments.
Impact
If followed through, the study mandated by SCR114 will have significant implications for state laws regarding the organization of executive branch departments. The resolution reflects an effort to find efficiencies that might result in streamlining state programs and services. The outcome may lead to legislative changes that alter the operational landscape of state departments, with the possibility of reducing redundancy and improving resource allocation. Additionally, the collaboration between legislative committees suggests a structured approach to gathering insights from various stakeholders.
Summary
SCR114 is a concurrent resolution introduced by Senator Amedee with the purpose of urging and requesting the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to jointly study the issues surrounding the merger of one or more state departments in Louisiana. This necessity arises from ongoing budget deficits faced by the state, with higher education and health care being notably impacted by mid-year budget cuts. The resolution aims to promote efficiency in government operations, indicating a move towards potential restructuring to better manage state resources.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment around SCR114 appears to be one of cautious optimism. Legislative discussions suggest a recognition of the pressing need for budgetary efficiencies while balancing the complexities involved in merging government departments. There may be support for the resolution's goals from factions concerned with fiscal responsibility, while caution persists regarding the potential impacts on services, especially in critical areas like education and health care. This interplay of perspectives makes for a nuanced conversation about the future of state governance.
Contention
Notably, while SCR114 aims to study potential mergers for efficiency, it could bring about contention among departments concerned about their autonomy and funding. Stakeholders, including department heads and the governor, will be solicited for input, which could trigger debates on the merits and drawbacks of merging services under a single organizational structure. The outcome of this study will likely lead to further legislative discussions and decisions that could reshape the operations of the executive branch in states that are already grappling with fiscal challenges.
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.
Request the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs study the feasibility of establishing a more expedient transition for local elected officials to take office.
Requests the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs study the possibility of requiring background checks of candidates for public office to ensure the qualification of candidates for political office.
Request the committees on Senate and governmental affairs and House and governmental affairs study the practice of requiring state agencies to lease office space from the state.
Request the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to study the feasibility of conducting video conferencing of committee meetings and sessions of the legislature and authorizes voting in absentia.
Requests the House and Governmental Affairs and Senate and Governmental Affairs committees to meet and function as a joint committee to study the use of technology in Louisiana's elections
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 and make recommendations regarding ethics and campaign finance disclosure laws
Requests the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to meet and function as a joint committee to study the laws and issues related to the state capitol complex and the state capitol and report findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than September 1, 2013