Louisiana Senate Bill SB176

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/16
• Refer: 3/3/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Constitutional amendment to remove authority to fund state police for traffic control from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

Impact

If passed, SB 176 would potentially limit the fiscal resources available to state law enforcement for traffic control, redirecting those funds to infrastructure improvements. Critics may express concern that removing this funding source could impact state police operations related to traffic enforcement and public safety. Additionally, the measure could encourage a more strategic use of the funding towards transportation projects that directly contribute to improving state infrastructure and road safety, which could benefit the Louisiana community in the long term.

Summary

Senate Bill 176 proposes a constitutional amendment to amend Article VII, Section 27(B) of the Louisiana Constitution to remove the authority to appropriate or dedicate funds from the Transportation Trust Fund for state police traffic control purposes. This proposed change is significant as it aims to refocus the funding priorities of the Transportation Trust Fund exclusively towards infrastructure needs such as roads, bridges, and flood control systems. The amendment intends to clarify the purpose of the Trust Fund and ensure that its resources are primarily used for transportation-related projects.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Proponents might argue that it will enhance the focus on critical infrastructure needs amidst rising costs and budget constraints. Opposition may arise from those who value the role of state police in traffic management and safety, fearing that the reduction of available funds for this purpose could lead to increased risks on the roadways. The overall discourse reflects an ongoing tension between funding law enforcement and addressing pressing infrastructure demands.

Contention

The major point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB 176 is likely to revolve around public safety versus infrastructure funding. Supporters of the amendment view the exclusion of state police funding from the Transportation Trust Fund as a necessary step to ensure that the fund is used strictly for transportation enhancements, while opponents may argue that this amendment could compromise the resources available to maintain public safety related to traffic enforcement. This dilemma presents a broader debate on how to balance state resources effectively between enforcing laws and maintaining essential services.