Louisiana Senate Bill SB249

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Transfers jurisdiction of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum from the Dept. of State to the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. (gov sig)

Impact

The proposed change in jurisdiction is expected to enhance the museum's operational funding and support through more focused oversight and resources from the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. By moving the governance to this department, there are expectations of improved integration with state tourism initiatives, potentially leading to increased visitor traffic and greater educational outreach. The reallocation of responsibilities also ensures that museum management can align more closely with broader state cultural promotion strategies.

Summary

Senate Bill 249, introduced by Senator LaFleur, focuses on the governance of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. The bill proposes transferring the jurisdiction of the museum from the Department of State to the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. This change aims to streamline the management structure of the museum and better align it with the state's cultural preservation and tourism efforts. The museum, located in Shreveport, serves as a repository for Louisiana's historical, cultural, and technological artifacts, emphasizing the northwest region's rich heritage.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 249 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among stakeholders in the culture and tourism sectors. Supporters argue that the transfer will facilitate more effective management and resources for the museum. However, there may be concerns regarding how this transition impacts existing funding mechanisms and whether it adequately preserves the museum's unique historical focus. Overall, the discussions indicate a recognition of the museum's value to the state's cultural landscape.

Contention

While the bill itself may not be met with substantial opposition, there are underlying concerns regarding funding levels and resource allocation for the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum following the jurisdiction transfer. Some fear that the historical focus might be overshadowed by tourism interests if not carefully balanced. Ensuring that the museum continues to thrive as an educational resource while pursuing tourism development will be a point of contention moving forward.