Louisiana House Bill HCR35

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/15
• Refer: 4/14/15
• Report Pass: 4/27/15
• Engrossed: 5/6/15
• Passed: 5/11/15

Caption

Requests that the U.S. Postal Service consider assigning a new zip code to the town of Richwood in Ouachita Parish

Impact

The proposed change is intended to alleviate several potential problems that arise when zip code boundaries do not align with municipal borders. Residents of Richwood may experience increased home and automobile insurance rates, complications concerning voter registration, and diversion of property and sales tax revenues due to the sharing of a zip code with a larger area. Establishing a separate zip code for Richwood could potentially reduce these risks and lead to a more equitable allocation of resources for the town.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 35 (HCR35) is a legislative proposal initiated by Representative Hunter, urging the United States Postal Service to consider assigning a unique zip code for the town of Richwood in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. The resolution highlights that Richwood currently shares a zip code with a broader metropolitan area, which could lead to various issues for its residents. By calling for a distinct zip code, the resolution aims to address these challenges and enhance the community's identity and functionality.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR35 appears to be positive, as it was passed unanimously with a vote of 31 to 0 in the Senate. Proponents of the resolution view it as a necessary step for recognizing and reinforcing the identity of Richwood, thereby fostering a sense of independence among its residents. The lack of opposition suggests a strong consensus on the importance of this issue within the legislative body.

Contention

While HCR35 does not appear to have faced significant opposition in the legislative process, any points of contention could arise regarding the broader implications of changing postal codes, such as administrative challenges for the U.S. Postal Service or adjustments needed by residents. The resolution’s impacts on local governance and tax allocations may also warrant future discussion, but these were not specifically highlighted during the bill's consideration.