Louisiana House Bill HCR93

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/20
• Refer: 5/18/20
• Report Pass: 5/20/20
• Engrossed: 5/25/20
• Report Pass: 5/29/20
• Passed: 6/1/20

Caption

Requests the governor to ensure that individual liberty and rights are protected as the state administers contact tracing

Impact

The bill specifically requests that the governor's administration guarantees voluntary participation in contact tracing, ensuring that individuals are informed about their right to opt-out. It seeks to prevent any penalties for refusal to participate, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual consent and autonomy in public health initiatives. The resolution points out that any tracking of individuals' movements, data mining, or collection of personal identifying information should not occur without explicit consent from the individuals involved.

Summary

HCR93 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the governor of Louisiana to ensure the protection of individual liberties and rights as the state implements contact tracing activities in response to public health emergencies. This resolution arises from concerns among Louisiana citizens regarding the potential infringement on their rights during the execution of contact tracing, especially in light of the extraordinary powers the governor holds during a declared public health emergency under the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR93 reflects a significant concern for personal freedoms amidst public health measures. The resolution showcases a proactive approach by the legislature to address the community's apprehensions about privacy and government overreach during health crises. Supporters view this as a necessary safeguard to protect citizens' rights against potential misuse of power during contact tracing efforts.

Contention

Notably, the resolution highlights a fundamental tension in public health policy—balancing the need for effective disease control with respect for individual rights. Though not a bill that imposes enforceable regulations, it conveys legislative intent and public sentiment that stresses the necessity of transparent and respectful approaches to health measures, amid apprehensions triggered by crisis management actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.