Provides relative to certain duties of the La. State Law Institute
Impact
If enacted, HB 954 will have a significant impact on the governance structure of legal revisions in Louisiana. It will refine the legal framework under which the Louisiana State Law Institute operates by mandating that the legislature provides specific directions for the Institute’s duties related to law revision and continuous oversight. This may lead to a more coordinated approach in updating outdated laws and removing inequitable rules, enhancing the legal landscape in Louisiana.
Summary
House Bill 954 aims to formalize the relationship between the Louisiana Legislature and the Louisiana State Law Institute by requiring the legislature to specifically direct the Institute through concurrent resolutions for it to fulfill its duties. This bill amends existing laws to ensure that the Institute's efforts in reviewing and revising civil laws within the state align more closely with legislative intent and oversight. The main goal of this bill is to enhance the clarity, simplification, and adaptation of Louisiana's laws to present social needs while ensuring that legal recommendations come with direct legislative guidance.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 954 appears to be generally supportive among legal professionals who see the value in aligning the operations of the State Law Institute with legislative priorities. However, there may also be concerns regarding the potential for legislative overreach into areas traditionally administered by the law institute, which advocates fear could reduce the Institute's independence in recommending necessary legal reforms. Thus, while the bill is primarily seen as a measure to strengthen lawmaking processes, it could also prompt discussions about the balance of powers between elected representatives and legal experts.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 954 could arise from the tension between legislative directives and the operational independence of the Louisiana State Law Institute. Critics might argue that requiring specific legislative direction could stifle the Institute's agility and responsiveness to legal issues. Additionally, there may be concerns about how this change could affect the Institute's ability to provide unbiased legal recommendations if its functioning becomes too closely tied to the political whims of the legislature.
Creates the office on women's health within the La. Department of Health and provides for the duties and functions of the office (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Urges and requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study and make recommendations relative to the feasibility of codifying certain cases relative to R.S. 38:113
(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes the Board of Regents, LSU board, Southern University board, and UL board and creates the La. University System Board of Trustees (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides for the transfer of UNO from the LSU System to the UL System and specifies goals for the postsecondary education delivery system for the New Orleans region (REF INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University Public Administration Institute, and the Louisiana Tax Institute to analyze mineral revenues, taxes, and exemptions and to submit a written report of its findings to the legislature. (EG NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Constitutional Amendment to abolish the Board of Regents and the postsecondary management boards and transfer their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)