Louisiana Senate Bill SB339

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/29/16

Caption

Provides with respect to the closure of a restaurant at a qualified truck stop facility. (8/1/16)

Impact

The enactment of SB 339 is poised to impact not only the operational dynamics of truck stop facilities across Louisiana but also the localized laws that govern such establishments. By expanding the closure rationale to all legal holidays—except in Orleans Parish—the bill simplifies the compliance requirements for truck stop owners. This alteration potentially reduces operational costs during holidays when patronage may be low, allowing for more flexible staffing and resource management. Furthermore, the exemption for Orleans Parish may spark discussions about inconsistencies in legislative applications across various regions within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 339 addresses the operation of restaurants at qualified truck stop facilities in Louisiana, specifically concerning their ability to close during legal holidays. The bill proposes to amend existing legislation, granting owners or lessors of qualified truck stops the authority to close their restaurants on all legal holidays. However, it notably exempts facilities located in Orleans Parish from this provision, thereby maintaining their obligation to operate regardless of holidays. The bill is positioned to streamline operations for truck stop facilities by providing clarity on holiday closures, which aligns with the needs of these businesses in the context of state laws governing restaurant and gambling operations.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB 339 appears to be positive among stakeholders focused on business operations and economic efficiency. Supporters argue that the changes will enhance the viability of truck stop restaurants, particularly during holidays when diner volume is traditionally lower. Conversely, there may be sentiments of concern from local governance advocates, particularly regarding the implications of exempting Orleans Parish from the broader provisions, which may be seen as unequal treatment in the regulatory landscape. Nevertheless, most discussions seem to center around the increased autonomy for truck stop owners over their operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 339 likely arise from the differing operational requirements between Orleans Parish and other regions. The exemption may lead to perceptions of inequality in how local regulations are enforced and highlight the balancing act between state-level statutory authority and local governance needs. Furthermore, discussions surrounding closures during holidays may invoke broader debates about the economic impacts on the local community, particularly in areas reliant on tourism and travel, which could be affected by such operational changes.