Louisiana House Bill HB847

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/31/16
• Engrossed: 4/11/16
• Refer: 4/12/16
• Refer: 4/13/16
• Refer: 4/14/16
• Report Pass: 4/20/16
• Enrolled: 5/4/16
• Chaptered: 5/10/16
• Passed: 5/10/16

Caption

Provides relative to the administrative responsibility of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism for the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association.

Impact

The enactment of HB 847 alters the governance of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association by bringing it under a more structured state administrative framework. This change means that the park association will have defined powers and responsibilities that align with the regulations of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Such an administrative shift intends to ensure better resource management and improved public access to city park facilities, which may also foster enhanced cultural and recreational opportunities for communities within the area.

Summary

House Bill 847 amends and reenacts existing laws to clarify the administrative responsibility of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism regarding the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association. The bill emphasizes the association's powers, duties, and functions and their integration within the state department, which has significant implications for how park operations and maintenance will be overseen at the state level. By formally transferring the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the bill aims to enhance governmental oversight and accountability in managing public park spaces in the city.

Sentiment

Throughout the legislative discussions surrounding HB 847, the sentiment appears generally supportive, reflecting a consensus on the importance of properly managing cultural and recreational spaces. Legislators expressed a focus on promoting tourism and public engagement within New Orleans' parks, acknowledging the significant role these spaces play in the community's quality of life. The bill garnered strong support in the Senate, as indicated by the unanimous vote during the final passage, showcasing a solid backing from various stakeholders invested in enhancing the city's public parks.

Contention

While there was widespread support for the bill, potential points of contention could center around the allocated budgetary resources for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to adequately manage the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association. Concerns may also arise regarding how the centralized oversight will influence local decision-making, particularly if local park needs diverge from state priorities. Nevertheless, the bill facilitates a clearer operational framework, which could mitigate such controversies by explicitly outlining the responsibilities of the state in relation to local park management.