Louisiana Senate Bill SB242

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 3/21/18

Caption

Constitutional amendment to provide for consideration of certain matters during regular sessions in even-numbered years. (2/3 - CA3s2(A))

Impact

The implementation of SB 242 would create significant changes in how legislative sessions are conducted in even-numbered years. By allowing the introduction of additional bills outside the limited subject matter specifically tied to taxation, the bill aims to broaden the scope of legislative discussions and potential law-making activities during these sessions. This could potentially lead to a more dynamic legislative process, enabling lawmakers to respond more effectively to emerging issues and public concerns that may arise in off-year sessions.

Summary

Senate Bill 242 proposes a constitutional amendment that amends Article III, Section 2(A)(3)(b) of the Louisiana Constitution. The bill seeks to allow legislators to introduce up to five prefiled bills during regular sessions in even-numbered years that do not fall under the existing subject matter restrictions, primarily related to taxation. Presently, even-numbered year sessions are limited to certain types of legislation, particularly those addressing taxes and related financial matters. This amendment would offer legislators more flexibility in introducing legislation during these sessions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 242 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders. Supporters argue that the amendment is necessary to ensure that the legislative process remains responsive and adaptive, allowing for necessary changes to be introduced even in years traditionally focused on budget and taxation issues. However, opponents may express concern about the potential for overwhelming the legislative agenda with non-tax-related bills during sessions that are structurally designed for fiscal-related discussions, potentially undermining the focus and efficiency of those sessions.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SB 242 revolves around the importance of maintaining the integrity and structure of legislative sessions in even-numbered years, which have historically been designed for specific financial matters. Critics of the bill might fear that loosening the constraints could lead to legislative overload, where too many diverse issues are addressed at once, making it more challenging to achieve consensus on tax and budgetary matters. The debate reflects broader discussions on legislative priorities and the balance between flexibility and focus in governance.