(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the limited extension of regular sessions for specific purposes (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Impact
If enacted, this amendment would impact the procedural framework within which the Louisiana legislature operates. Currently, regular sessions have fixed durations, and extending them beyond the original limits requires specific legislative actions. The new provisions would facilitate quicker responses to financial appropriations and could improve government efficiency in executing budgetary measures. It also implies a potential shift in how legislative priorities are managed during session timelines.
Summary
House Bill 49 proposes amendments to the Louisiana Constitution regarding the regular sessions of the legislature. The bill allows the legislature to extend a regular session by a limited number of days, specifically up to six additional days, exclusively for the purpose of passing bills that appropriate money. This change is seen as a way to ensure that the legislature has adequate time to finalize important funding decisions, especially in situations where such decisions cannot be postponed until the next regular session.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 49 appears to be supportive among legislators who prioritize efficient management of state finances. Advocates of the bill argue that the ability to extend sessions is a necessary tool to prevent funding delays that could adversely affect state services and programs. Critics and some members of the public may have concerns about potential misuse of extended sessions or the erosion of checks and balances inherent in the legislative timeline.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding how the extension of sessions could be perceived. Critics may argue that allowing extensions could open the door to rushed decisions under pressure, especially concerning fiscal matters. Additionally, there might be discussions regarding the balance between efficiency in government operations and the need for thorough scrutiny of legislative proposals. The bill also requires voter approval in a statewide election scheduled for December 7, 2024, introducing an element of public discourse into the debate over its implications.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the disposition of funds derived from alternative energy production in the coastal area (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)
Constitutional amendment to phase out the tax on inventory and establish the maximum allowable exemption for the industrial property tax exemption program. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires the legislature to appropriate no less than twenty-five percent of nonrecurring state revenues for application to certain state retirement system unfunded accrued liability (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides with respect to the applicability of the additional property tax exemptions for certain veterans with disabilities (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)
Personal income tax: voluntary contributions: California Breast Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund and California Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund.
Juveniles: other; default maximum time for a juvenile to complete the terms of a consent calendar case plan; increase to 6 months. Amends sec. 2f, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.2f).
Courts: family division; use of screening tool for minors sought to be placed on the consent calendar; require. Amends sec. 2f, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.2f). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0418'23