Louisiana House Bill HR164

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/21

Caption

Requests the Southern University Law Center to coordinate a study regarding the development of racial and ethnic impact statements on legislative proposals

Impact

If enacted, HR164 would mandate the assessment of racial and ethnic impacts prior to the implementation of new legislation. This measure aims to promote informed decision-making among lawmakers, ideally leading to more equitable legislation. By engaging various stakeholders, including educational and civil rights organizations, the study would develop policy recommendations that ensure the voices of marginalized communities are considered during the legislative process.

Summary

House Resolution 164 calls for the Southern University Law Center to initiate a study focusing on the development of racial and ethnic impact statements for legislative proposals. The goal of this resolution is to ensure that policymakers are provided with crucial information that could help identify and mitigate potential unintended consequences of proposed legislation on specific racial and ethnic communities. The resolution highlights the need for thorough analysis to prevent policies that may disproportionately affect certain populations.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around HR164 appears to be positive, with a recognition of the importance of social justice within legislative action. Supporters argue that implementing racial and ethnic impact statements is a necessary step toward accountability in governance. However, there may also be reservations from some factions who believe that such requirements could complicate or slow down the legislative process.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HR164 is the perceived additional burden it may place on legislators who must now consider these impact assessments as part of their legislative responsibilities. Some lawmakers and experts may express concerns about the potential for analysis overload, leading to delays in the passing of essential laws. The discussion surrounding this resolution underscores the ongoing tension between the need for thorough policymaking and the efficiency of legislative processes.