Louisiana House Bill HB1100

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/16
• Refer: 4/6/16

Caption

Prohibits an assessor from employing outside counsel in certain matters (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

Impact

If enacted, HB 1100 would amend existing state law regarding the authority of assessors to engage outside legal counsel. This change is likely to impact the operations of assessors across Louisiana by consolidating legal resources and potentially reducing their legal expenses. The bill aims to ensure that assessors benefit from consistent legal advice and representation, handled by local public attorneys who are accountable to the community and familiar with the specific assessment issues unique to the area.

Summary

House Bill 1100 proposes a significant change in the legal representation of assessors in Louisiana concerning assessment-related suits. Specifically, the bill mandates that assessors are prohibited from hiring outside counsel. Instead, it requires that the district attorney or, where applicable, the parish attorney represent the assessor in such legal matters. The intent behind this legislation appears to be to streamline legal representation and ensure that assessors rely on public attorneys who are already serving the jurisdiction and familiar with local laws and procedures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1100 may vary among stakeholders. Proponents might argue that the bill fosters accountability and reduces costs by limiting assessors' ability to seek outside counsel, which could lead to more uniformity in legal practices among different parishes. Conversely, critics might express concerns about the potential limitations this could place on assessors, arguing that it might impede their ability to seek specialized legal expertise when necessary, thus impacting their efficacy in defending assessments.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the debate over local versus state control of legal representation. Opponents may fear that mandating public representation could diminish the quality of legal defense that assessors receive if the district or parish attorney is overburdened or lacks the requisite experience in assessment law. Additionally, the bill could elicit discussions about the adequacy of representation provided by public attorneys compared to private legal counsel, especially in complex cases.