Louisiana House Bill HB56

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/12/14
• Engrossed: 3/19/14
• Refer: 3/24/14
• Report Pass: 4/1/14
• Enrolled: 4/9/14
• Chaptered: 4/23/14
• Passed: 4/23/14

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Public Safety and Corrections

Impact

The passage of HB 56 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding public safety and correctional institutions. By re-affirming the department's statutory authority, the bill ensures that the public safety framework remains intact and operational without interruption. The bill also repeals certain outdated provisions effectively streamlining legislative authority and ensuring a more functional regulatory environment for the police and correctional systems.

Summary

House Bill 56 seeks to re-create the Department of Public Safety and Corrections within Louisiana’s legislative framework. This legislation not only re-establishes the department but also sets a clear timeline for the termination of its statutory entities by July 1, 2021. The bill asserts that the existence of these entities is critical for the operational continuity of public safety mechanisms in the state, needing legislative re-approval to avoid lapsing into non-existence.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 56 appears to be primarily supportive, especially among legislators focused on maintaining effective public safety operations. The unanimous vote in the Senate (36-0) indicates a strong bipartisan agreement on the need for the re-creation of this department. However, some concerns were raised about the implications of such legislative processes and whether there might be better avenues for ensuring accountability and oversight within these statutory entities.

Contention

One notable contention surrounding the bill involves the potential risks associated with a lack of scrutiny over re-created statutory bodies. Critics argue that while the re-creation is essential for continuity, it could also pave the way for less oversight and accountability, particularly in how the department operates within communities. Additionally, ongoing discussions about the efficacy and need for the department's restructuring could lead to further legislative debates in the future.