Louisiana House Bill HCR80

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/30/18
• Refer: 5/1/18
• Report Pass: 5/8/18

Caption

Provides for the appointment of the membership of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs

Impact

The passage of HCR80 would modify existing procedures surrounding the committee appointments, reflecting an effort to enforce greater legislative representation across Louisiana. Should the concurrent resolution be enacted alongside House Bill No. 90 or House Bill No. 122, it would come into effect on July 1, 2018. This change signals a potential shift towards a more localized approach to leadership in committees that influence key financial decisions affecting the state's educational landscape.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 80 (HCR80), introduced by Representative Jay Morris, aims to establish guidelines for the appointment of members to two key legislative committees in Louisiana: the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. The resolution specifically stipulates that the Speaker of the House must appoint at least two members from each district represented in the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to the House committee, while the Senate President must appoint at least one member from each BESE district to the Senate committee. This requirement is intended to ensure that there is adequate representation from diverse geographic regions in matters pertaining to financial and fiscal policies.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR80 appears to reflect a commitment to fair representation in Louisiana's legislative processes. Proponents argue that heightened representation from various BESE districts could lead to more equitable decision-making in financial matters affecting education. However, there could also be concerns regarding whether this requirement might complicate the committee selection process or dilute the influence of experienced legislators within these committees.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HCR80 is the potential challenge it could pose to the existing frameworks governing legislative appointments. Critics may raise concerns regarding whether mandating a specific number of appointees from each district could inadvertently prioritize geographic representation over qualifications or expertise. The resolution could spark a broader debate about the balance between local representation and the need for skilled individuals in decision-making roles.