Requires captioning of Senate Health and Welfare Committee meetings.
Impact
The resolution is set to become effective with the convening of the 2018 Regular Session of the Legislature. The implementation of closed captioning is likely to influence how future committee meetings are run, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in legislative functions. By adopting this rule, the Senate acknowledges the necessity for all constituents to participate in and understand legislative discussions that may affect their lives. This move could also inspire similar measures in other committees or legislative bodies, prioritizing accessibility in public discourse.
Summary
Senate Resolution 140, proposed by Senator Claitor, mandates that all meetings of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee be closed captioned. This rule is aimed at ensuring that the proceedings of the committee are accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, thereby promoting inclusivity in governmental processes. By implementing closed captioning, the resolution seeks to enhance public engagement and transparency in the legislative process and address the communication barriers faced by a segment of the population.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR140 is largely positive, with broad support for initiatives that enhance accessibility and transparency in government. Advocates for individuals with disabilities often view such measures as crucial for fair representation in legislative discussions. The resolution is viewed as a progressive step toward fully inclusive government, demonstrating a recognition of the needs of all citizens. However, the practical challenges of implementing captioning services and the associated costs may present points of discussion among legislators and officials.
Contention
While there appears to be general support for the principle of closed captioning, there may be concerns regarding the logistics associated with its implementation. Some lawmakers might express apprehension about the costs and technical requirements of providing adequate captioning services during sessions. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the standards for captioning quality and the potential impact on meeting efficiency, particularly when addressing longer and more complex legislative discussions.
Requests a special committee to study the feasibility of requiring two-way cameras with captioning for hearing impaired and hard of hearing individuals at Louisiana businesses with drive-thru windows.
Requests the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the House Health and Welfare Committee to convene for a hearing to study the SR 29 of 2014 work group report on strategies to decrease primary care utilization in emergency rooms in hospitals across Louisiana.
Requests the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House and Governmental Affairs Committee to study the feasibility of providing an interpreter for the hearing impaired and closed captioning of legislative proceedings.
Requests the Louisiana Patient's Compensation Fund Board to gather certain information and present their findings to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.
Provides relative to healthcare licensing boards reporting to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare on their recognition of military veterans training in various healthcare occupations
Requests the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to study the governance, efficiencies, and service delivery of the Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.