Louisiana House Bill HB46

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/17/22
• Engrossed: 3/28/22
• Refer: 3/29/22
• Report Pass: 5/4/22
• Enrolled: 5/12/22
• Chaptered: 5/17/22
• Passed: 5/17/22

Caption

Re-creates the Department of State Civil Service and the statutory entities made a part of the department by law

Impact

By amending existing law regarding the Department of State Civil Service, HB 46 addresses immediate legislative needs concerning the department's operational status. It aims to prevent a lapse in authority that could disrupt services provided by the Department and its entities. Legislative discussions highlighted that this bill's passage is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of state civil services, which play a significant role in public administration and human resources across various state agencies.

Summary

House Bill 46, authored by Representative Stefanski, focuses on the re-creation of the Department of State Civil Service and the statutory entities associated with it under Louisiana law. This legislation ensures the continuity of the department's existence and its statutory functions beyond pending termination dates. The bill specifically establishes a new termination date for the various statutory entities, extending their legislative authority until at least July 1, 2026, with the possibility of renewal thereafter.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 46 was largely positive, with supporters recognizing the bill as a necessary step to ensure the operational continuity of the Department of State Civil Service. The unanimous vote in the Senate with 34 in favor and no opposition signifies a strong consensus among legislators regarding the importance of this legislation for the state's governance framework. The bill's provisions were met without notable opposition, reflecting a collaborative legislative environment focused on government efficiency.

Contention

While the bill was welcomed generally, there were discussions regarding potential concerns surrounding the future of the Department of State Civil Service in 2027 and beyond. Some members raised points about the need for ongoing evaluations of the department's performance and functions to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the state without unnecessary bureaucratic overhead. However, no significant points of contention were recorded during the legislative process for HB 46, making its progress through the legislature relatively smooth.