Discharges the House Ways and Means Committee from further consideration of HB 123
The resolution underscores the rules governing legislative procedures in Louisiana, particularly regarding the committee system and how bills can be advanced or delayed. The action of discharging a committee signals that the House leadership may be looking to either expedite the legislative process or to ensure that specific bills receive the consideration they may not have achieved at the committee level. This can impact the timeline for legislative actions on similar bills, depending on how frequently resolutions like HR 19 are used.
House Resolution 19, introduced by Representative Hunter during the 2016 First Extraordinary Session, serves to discharge the House Ways and Means Committee from further consideration of House Bill No. 123 and to recommit the bill for a hearing in the Committee of the Whole. This procedural action indicates that there was a need to move the bill forward in the legislative process, suggesting a level of urgency or importance attached to HB 123 among the House members. By discharging the committee, the House aims to ensure that the bill is given attention and debated more broadly in the legislative assembly.
The sentiment around HR 19 is likely mixed; supporters of HB 123 may view the discharge as a necessary step to push important legislation forward, while those who prioritize deep, committee-level discussions may see it as a rushed approach that bypasses thorough scrutiny. The varied opinions on this procedural move highlight the ongoing tension between efficiency and thoroughness in legislative debates.
Notable points of contention may arise from members who believe in adhering to traditional legislative processes, preferring that committees fully vet bills before they are advanced. Conversely, advocates for the current bill might argue that the urgency of certain issues necessitates quicker action, and the ability to discharge committees exemplifies legislative flexibility. The resolution's impact on broader legislative strategies may lead to debates about when and how to effectively navigate the legislative process.