Louisiana House Bill HB610

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Places the Department of Economic Development within the office of the lieutenant governor (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The impact of HB 610 on state laws involves a transformation of the powers and responsibilities associated with the DED. By centralizing the department under the lieutenant governor, the bill effectively changes the dynamics of executive governance over economic development initiatives. This could allow for more coordinated efforts in promoting business and economic growth, as the DED would function with more direct influence from the lieutenant governor's office. However, the transition also raises questions regarding the efficiency of department operations and the accountability of its leadership.

Summary

House Bill 610 aims to restructure the Department of Economic Development (DED) by placing it directly within the office of the lieutenant governor. This bill designates the lieutenant governor as the administrative head of the DED and allows them to appoint the secretary of the department, which is a significant shift in the organizational hierarchy and oversight of economic development efforts in the state. The intent behind this realignment is to streamline decision-making processes and enhance executive oversight of the department's activities and objectives.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 610 is mixed. Supporters argue that combining the DED with the office of the lieutenant governor will lead to more cohesive and aggressive economic strategies, benefiting businesses and the state economy. On the other hand, critics express concerns about the concentration of power in the lieutenant governor's office and the potential reduction in checks and balances that come from independent departmental oversight.

Contention

Notably, a point of contention that arose during discussions of the bill is the potential impact on civil service classifications and employee status within the DED. Questions were raised about whether the changes would alter job security for existing employees, as the bill states that current civil service classifications will remain intact. This aspect may cause tension among the stakeholders, particularly employees who might worry about their roles under the new administrative structure.