Provides relative to the Board of Louisiana River Pilot Review and Oversight
Impact
The legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Board's oversight responsibilities over the regulations concerning river navigation and safety. By streamlining the board's composition and reviewing processes, HB 864 seeks to improve the regulatory environment for Louisiana's river pilots. This change is likely to impact state laws by enforcing quicker and more efficient review protocols for proposed regulations, thereby ensuring that essential statutory regulatory frameworks are upheld while balancing efficiency.
Summary
House Bill 864 provides for the governance and operational framework for the Board of Louisiana River Pilot Review and Oversight. The bill amends existing statutes to redefine the board's composition, specifically reducing the number of members and clarifying the qualifications for appointees. It introduces a per diem compensation for judge members and establishes a structured procedure for reviewing proposed regulations by the Board of Commissioners or Examiners. This aligns with the goals of fostering accountability and oversight concerning the regulation of river pilots in Louisiana.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment surrounding HB 864 appears positive within legislative discussions. Supporters argue that the amendments would lead to more efficient management and oversight of river pilot regulations, promoting better safety and operational standards. The focus on ensuring that board members are qualified, particularly the requirement for judicial experience, is seen as a move towards enhancing public trust and accountability in oversight functions. However, some concerns about the reduction of board members and potential implications for thoroughness in reviews were raised by critics, albeit not extensively documented.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the shift to a smaller board size, which some stakeholders believe could affect the diversity of opinions and expertise contributed during the regulatory review process. Additionally, while the establishment of a per diem for judges is considered a necessary adjustment to ensure fair compensation, it also opens discussions on public expenditure and governance. Critics may argue that this could set precedents for similar expenses in other regulatory bodies.
Establishes the Louisiana Enhanced Governmental Access Portal and its oversight board in the office of the governor and provides for functions and duties. (gov sig)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.