Louisiana House Bill HR1

Louisiana 2016 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 2/12/16
• Refer: 2/12/16
• Refer: 2/14/16

Caption

Prohibits a member from voting or changing a vote after the result of the vote has been announced

Impact

The impact of HR1 is significant in reinforcing procedural integrity within the legislative process. It alters existing House Rule 10.8(B), which previously allowed for some leniency in correcting votes during the same legislative day. By instituting a stricter rule, the resolution may help prevent last-minute alterations that could potentially undermine the results of legislative decisions. This change reflects an effort to bolster public trust in the legislative process and could set a precedent for other state legislative bodies considering similar reforms.

Summary

House Resolution 1 (HR1) aims to amend the voting rules within the House of Representatives by prohibiting members from voting or changing a vote after the result of that vote has been announced. This legislative change is intended to enhance the integrity of the voting process and ensure that the outcomes are clear and final once declared by the presiding officer. By eliminating the ability for members to alter their votes post-announcement, the resolution seeks to discourage potential manipulation or confusion regarding tallying votes and ensure greater accountability among legislators.

Sentiment

Sentiment regarding HR1 appears to be supportive among proponents who advocate for increased transparency and accountability within legislative practices. However, there may be concerns raised by some members regarding the removal of flexibility in vote management, potentially leading to a debate over the balance between stringent procedures and necessary accommodations in unique circumstances. Overall, the sentiment is generally aligned with enhancing the credibility of the legislative voting process, although there are differing opinions on the practicality of such a strict rule.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HR1 include the potential restriction it places on members' abilities to amend their votes under quick or unforeseen circumstances, such as clerical errors or miscommunications. The debate over this resolution touches on fundamental principles of legislative procedure, as some members may argue that maintaining some degree of flexibility in voting is essential to the democratic process. Nonetheless, the overarching goal of HR1 seems centered on solidifying the integrity of the voting mechanism within the House.