Louisiana House Bill HCR35

Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Report Pass: 4/9/24
• Engrossed: 4/15/24
• Refer: 4/16/24
• Report Pass: 5/8/24
• Passed: 6/3/24

Caption

Provides for a special joint committee to review the Administrative Procedure Act, the Louisiana Administrative Code, the public's involvement in proposed rulemaking, and comparisons of other states' regulatory environments

Impact

If enacted, HCR35 would create a mechanism for systematic evaluation of state regulations, which could lead to significant amendments of existing laws. The committee would consist of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as a member appointed by the governor. The responsibility of the committee includes not just oversight of current regulations, but also drawing comparisons with other states to identify best practices. Such comparisons could inform potential reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of Louisiana’s regulatory framework.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 35 (HCR35) aims to establish a Special Legislative Committee on Regulatory Reform in Louisiana. The primary goal of this committee is to review the state's regulatory environment, including the Administrative Procedure Act and the Louisiana Administrative Code. The resolution recognizes the importance of timely reviews and updates of rules and regulations, addressing the need for such measures to prevent outdated and overly burdensome regulations that could affect both citizens and businesses. This initiative is framed as a necessary step towards ensuring that Louisiana's regulatory practices are effective and correspond to current needs and standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR35 appears to be largely positive among those advocating for regulatory clarity and efficiency. Legislators and stakeholders in favor argue that a structured review process will benefit Louisiana's business climate by reducing unnecessary compliance costs while maintaining the effectiveness of regulations. However, there may also be concerns from various groups regarding how this review process could impact local governance and community needs, especially if regulations are overly simplified without thorough public engagement.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the balance of state versus local control in regulatory matters. Advocates for local governance may worry that the standardization of regulations could undermine specific local needs that require tailored regulations. Additionally, the effectiveness of public participation in the rule-making process could be questioned, particularly how the committee plans to engage citizens and stakeholders. As with many regulatory reforms, the potential for differing opinions on the necessity and impact of such a committee will likely influence its acceptance and implementation within the legislature.