Louisiana House Bill HB881

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14

Caption

Requires parishes receiving RESTORE Act funds to provide certain information to the public

Impact

The enactment of HB 881 would create specific guidelines for the handling of RESTORE Act funds, reinforcing the importance of public engagement in financial decision-making. By obligating local governments to hold public meetings before allocating such funds, the bill emphasizes the necessity of community input on projects affecting coastal areas. Moreover, it prohibits the commingling of RESTORE funds with other parish funds, requiring a clear breakdown of expenditures associated with these federal resources. This could significantly impact budgeting practices at the local level as parishes will need to separate and specifically account for these funds.

Summary

House Bill 881 provides a framework for how parishes in Louisiana should manage and utilize funds received under the RESTORE Act, a federal initiative aimed at recovering from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The bill mandates increased transparency and accountability by requiring parish governing authorities to publish quarterly reports detailing the amount of RESTORE funds received and how they have been expended or allocated. This legislative initiative aims to ensure that the public is informed of the financial activities regarding these substantial federal funds.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 881 appears to be supportive of increased governmental transparency and public involvement in local governance. Advocates argue that the bill empowers communities by ensuring they have a voice in how critical funding is used for coastal projects. However, there might be concerns regarding the additional administrative burden placed on parish governing bodies, with critics possibly viewing these requirements as an obstacle to swift decision-making in urgent recovery efforts related to coastal restoration.

Contention

Notable points of contention might arise around the balance between ensuring public participation and the efficient use of RESTORE Act funds. Some stakeholders could argue that the requirement for public meetings and detailed reporting might delay necessary project implementations. On the other hand, proponents would argue that such measures safeguard against mismanagement and ensure that funds are utilized effectively and in alignment with community needs. Thus, while the bill promotes transparency, it also raises questions about the potential trade-off between governance and expediency.