Louisiana House Bill HB120

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/22
• Refer: 2/22/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/15/22
• Engrossed: 3/21/22
• Refer: 3/22/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Enrolled: 5/4/22
• Chaptered: 5/13/22
• Passed: 5/13/22

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Economic Development

Impact

By re-creating the Department of Economic Development, the bill aims to ensure that ongoing development efforts in Louisiana have a structured and statutory framework. This could lead to a more stable and predictable environment for economic activities in the state. However, the bill's limitation on the existence of statutory entities until 2027 raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these initiatives and the strategic vision for economic growth in Louisiana. Legislative discussions surrounding this bill could reflect differing priorities regarding the state’s economic strategies.

Summary

House Bill 120 focuses on the re-creation and continuation of the Department of Economic Development in Louisiana, as well as the statutory entities associated with it. The bill specifies a termination date for these entities, establishing a clear timeline for their authority to exist, which is set to cease by July 1, 2027. This could have significant implications for how economic development is managed at the state level, potentially affecting funding and operations for various projects and programs under the department's jurisdiction.

Sentiment

Generally, the sentiment around HB 120 appears to be supportive among its proponents, who see the re-establishment of the Department of Economic Development as a necessary step for promoting sustained economic growth within Louisiana. The unopposed nature of the Senate vote, which resulted in 35 yeas and no nays, indicates a consensus or significant agreement among lawmakers on the importance of maintaining an organized approach to economic development. However, some concerns may reside among certain groups about the future of statutory entities and the effectiveness of economic strategies moving forward.

Contention

The notable point of contention lies in the specific timeline for the termination of statutory authority, which could impact how the entities manage resources and projects in the coming years. The bill provides a clear framework for the department but also sets a finite period for its operational authority, which could create urgency in decision-making and policy implementation. Critics may question the long-term implications of this approach, such as whether sufficient foresight has been included in the planning for the department's future roles and the continuing effectiveness of its various statutory entities.