Louisiana House Bill HB223

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/15
• Refer: 3/31/15
• Refer: 4/13/15
• Report Pass: 5/4/15
• Engrossed: 5/12/15
• Refer: 5/13/15
• Report Pass: 5/27/15
• Enrolled: 6/9/15
• Chaptered: 7/1/15
• Passed: 7/1/15

Caption

Re-creates the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and all statutory entities made a part of the department by law

Impact

The passage of this bill is significant as it ensures the continued existence of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness through June 30, 2015. Additionally, it allows the office to continue its operations under specified legal frameworks, which is crucial for the state's disaster response and public safety strategies. By verifying and re-approving the operational authority of this office and its associated entities, the bill ultimately strengthens the capability of state governance in managing emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 223 re-creates the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Louisiana, along with preserving all statutory entities associated with this office. This action entails a continuation of the office’s statutory authority, ensuring that it remains operative after previously established termination dates. The bill stipulates that the authority for these entities will remain in effect until a specified future date, which presents an important consideration for ongoing emergency management functions within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 223 is predominantly supportive among legislators, as indicated by the unanimous voting result (91 in favor and 0 against) during the House Vote on June 9, 2015. The strong bipartisan approval signifies a shared understanding of the importance of maintaining robust emergency management structures within the state. Nonetheless, discussions may have touched upon issues related to the efficiency and effectiveness of the office during critical moments, indicating that while there is overall support, scrutiny remains regarding its operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the retroactive and prospective application of certain provisions within the bill, which could potentially impact how laws are interpreted moving forward. This dual-effect approach may raise concerns about legal ambiguities, particularly regarding actions taken by the office prior to the enactment of this legislation. Nonetheless, no significant opposition was documented, suggesting that stakeholders view this re-creation as a necessary reaffirmation of the state's commitment to preparedness and response mechanisms.