Louisiana House Bill HB6

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/20
• Refer: 1/21/20
• Refer: 3/9/20
• Report Pass: 5/7/20
• Engrossed: 5/15/20
• Refer: 5/18/20
• Report Pass: 5/20/20
• Enrolled: 6/1/20
• Chaptered: 6/11/20
• Passed: 6/11/20

Caption

Provides relative to reports by executive branch agencies

Impact

The impact of HB6 on existing state laws primarily pertains to the requirement for executive branch agencies to provide ongoing reports to the legislature. With the repeal of R.S. 49:1401, agencies are now under a more stringent expectation to maintain reporting obligations, ensuring that legislative oversight remains in effect. This change aims to promote better governance practices by fostering a culture of transparency and accountability among state agencies, which is crucial for effective public administration and citizen engagement.

Summary

House Bill 6 aims to repeal R.S. 49:1401, which mandated certain reporting requirements for agencies in the executive branch of the Louisiana state government. This repeal includes the elimination of provisions that allowed for the automatic expiration of reporting mandates, thereby ensuring that agencies will continue to be required to produce these reports without the risk of the requirements lapsing over time. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance accountability and transparency in state government operations by maintaining consistent oversight over executive actions and decisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB6 appears to be largely positive among its proponents, who view the repeal as a necessary step to reinforce legislative oversight and enhance the flow of information between the executive branch and the legislature. Supporters argue that continuous reporting is essential for informed decision-making and effective governance. However, some skepticism exists regarding the additional bureaucratic burden this might place on government agencies, with concerns that it could divert resources from other important functions.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB6 include concerns from certain lawmakers about the potential for overregulation and the strain it may place on state agencies tasked with adhering to these reporting requirements. While proponents advocate for increased transparency and accountability, opponents caution that the added demands might overwhelm agencies, particularly those with limited resources. The debate reflects broader themes of governance balance between accountability and pragmatism in state operations.