Creates the Louisiana Trucking Research and Education Council (EN +$904,455 SD RV See Note)
Impact
With the enactment of HB 369, several key provisions are introduced, including the creation of the Trucking Research and Education Council Fund Account. This fund will be financed by a new surcharge imposed on truck registrations. The funds collected are designated to support the council's activities, including safety programs and educational initiatives geared towards improving the trucking workforce. The establishment of this council is anticipated to create a structured approach in addressing industry challenges while also fostering partnerships with educational institutions and other stakeholders.
Summary
House Bill 369 establishes the Louisiana Trucking Research and Education Council, which aims to address the challenges facing the trucking industry in the state, including workforce development, highway safety, highway planning, and public education. The council is created as a political subdivision of the state, composed of thirteen members, including representatives from the trucking industry, state police, state education, and transportation departments. Its primary purpose is to promote education, training, research, and development to enhance safety and efficiency within the trucking sector.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 369 appears to be generally positive, emphasizing the need for organized efforts to enhance the trucking industry’s safety and operational efficiency. Supporters advocate that the council will facilitate much-needed research and education initiatives, potentially leading to a more skilled workforce and improved industry standards. However, there may be contention regarding the funding mechanism, as the surcharge could be viewed as an additional burden on truck operators.
Contention
A notable point of contention involves the division of responsibility and funding for the council. Critics question whether the imposition of a surcharge on truck registrations is the most effective way to fund the council's initiatives and whether it places undue financial pressure on local trucking businesses. Furthermore, the balance of influence among industry stakeholders within the council may raise concerns related to governance and accountability, particularly in ensuring that the interests of smaller operators are adequately represented.
Creates the Louisiana Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Fund for the purpose of funding degree and certificate programs in cybersecurity fields and the Cybersecurity Education Management Council to advise relative to the fund (RE INCREASE SD EX See Note)
Abolishes the Louisiana Rice Research Board and the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board and creates the Louisiana Rice Promotion and Research Board. (8/01/16)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.