Louisiana House Bill HCR12

Louisiana 2020 2nd Special Session

• Introduced: 9/29/20
• Refer: 9/29/20

Caption

Suspends laws authorizing the La. Department of Health to enforce any restriction imposed on a business or individual through a gubernatorial proclamation during a state of public health emergency (Items #2 and #28)

Impact

The resolution effectively limits the ability of the Louisiana Department of Health to act on enforcement measures concerning COVID-19 restrictions. This includes conducting inspections and responding to complaints as directed by the governor's proclamations. The resolution does not revoke the Department’s overall enforcement powers in other contexts, but it creates a significant gap in regulatory oversight specifically related to COVID-19 measures, potentially impacting public health responses in the state.

Summary

HCR12 is a House Concurrent Resolution that seeks to suspend the enforcement authority of the Louisiana Department of Health as it pertains to restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Specifically, the resolution targets laws that grant enforcement powers to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health regarding violations of COVID-19-related restrictions. This suspension is set to last until the sixtieth day following the final adjournment of the 2021 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR12 appears to be contentious. Supporters may argue that the resolution reflects a necessary balance between public health measures and individual freedoms, particularly in a context where businesses and individuals feel overly constrained by government mandates. Conversely, opponents may perceive this as a dangerous move that undermines public health efforts and could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19 by limiting health officials' ability to enforce necessary restrictions.

Contention

Debate around HCR12 centers on the tension between public health safety and personal liberties. Proponents of the resolution likely believe it is an essential step to ensure that individual rights are not unduly infringed upon during a crisis. However, critics warn that the resolution could lead to increased risks for public health as it diminishes the state's ability to manage the emergency effectively. This conflict highlights the broader issues of governance and public health management during unprecedented crises.