Urges the Supreme Court of La. to approve CLE credit for full-time legislative staff attorneys
Impact
The approval of HCR59 would amend existing regulations surrounding CLE credits, allowing full-time legislative staff attorneys to receive the same educational credit as elected officials. This change could foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the legal complexities involved in the legislative process among attorneys who support lawmakers year-round. Additionally, it acknowledges the important role that legislative staff play in ensuring effective governance within the state.
Summary
HCR59 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the Supreme Court of Louisiana to approve continuing legal education (CLE) credit for full-time legislative staff attorneys. Currently, members of the Louisiana Legislature are awarded eight hours of CLE credit for their service in the legislative sessions, but legislative staff attorneys, who play a crucial role in drafting legislation and assisting lawmakers, are not eligible for this credit. This resolution aims to recognize the work of these essential personnel who contribute significantly to the legislative process.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR59 appears to be supportive among many legislators who recognize the value that full-time legislative attorneys bring to the legislative process. By extending CLE credit to these staff members, it signals the importance of their contributions and promotes professional development in line with that of elected officials. The unanimous vote of 34-0 in the Senate further indicates a strong consensus regarding the need to support legislative staff.
Contention
While the text of HCR59 suggests a broad consensus, some may question whether this adjustment to CLE credit distribution is warranted, considering the differences in roles and responsibilities between elected officials and legislative staff. There may be concerns regarding the impact on administrative processes and the precedents set for other categories of state employees. However, overall, this resolution has met with positive reception due to its focus on equity and recognition of essential legislative functions.
Urges the Louisiana Supreme Court to take appropriate action to allow full-time legislative staff attorneys to receive eight hours of continuing educaton credits each year.
Urges the Judicial Council to recommend guidelines and rules to the Supreme Court of La. for the qualification and standards on the use of court interpreters
Requests the La. Supreme Court to implement a minimum continuing legal education requirement for district attorneys and judges on the topic of domestic violence
Requests the Supreme Court of Louisiana to require attorneys to complete a one-hour course on the legislative process as a part of the annual continuing legal education requirement.
Authorizes and directs the legislative auditor to study the efficiency, financial accountability, and effectiveness of the state Supreme Court, courts of appeals, and district courts
Provides for an in-depth study of the need for and for a plan for the conduct of a constitutional convention, creates a committee for such purpose, and expresses legislative intent to call a convention based upon the results of such study
Urges and requests the La. Department of Health to convene a healthcare workplace violence task force to advance the priorities expressed in HCR No. 60 of the 2019 R.S.
Requests the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab and the Louisiana attorney general to study and make recommendations for the implementation of a tracking system relative to the status of sexual assault collection kits
Requests the Louisiana Supreme Court to study the costs and benefits of mandatory, legal professional liability coverage for attorneys in private practice in this state and to study the benefits of requiring attorneys to provide certain notification to the Louisiana State Bar Association