Louisiana House Bill HR26

Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Passed: 4/10/24

Caption

Provides relative to use of personal electronic devices and decorum in the House Chamber and committee rooms

Impact

The resolution is expected to streamline decorum within the House sessions, potentially leading to improved focus and participation in legislative activities. By enforcing the muted status of electronic devices, the House seeks to minimize distractions, ensuring that discussions and proceedings maintain a level of discipline and respect. Moreover, the amendment to Rule 5.1 indicates a proactive approach to maintaining order, which may enhance the overall legislative process in Louisiana.

Summary

House Resolution 26 aims to amend and readopt House Rule 5.1 of the Rules of Order of the House of Representatives, while simultaneously repealing House Rule 1.3. The primary focus of this resolution is to regulate the use of personal electronic devices in the House Chamber and committee rooms. The new provisions state that members must confine their language and behavior to civil and decorous standards when addressing the House or any committee, and the usage of electronic devices is limited to non-disruptive manners during legislative sessions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR26 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a growing concern regarding the disruptive use of technology in formal settings. Members of the House recognized the need for maintaining a professional environment during legislative debates, signaling a collective intent to uphold decorum. While specific comments on contentious views were not detailed, the overall sentiment suggests a consensus towards better regulatory measures in the House.

Contention

One notable aspect of HR26 is its explicit focus on limiting the disruptive use of personal electronic devices, which may evoke differing opinions from various members regarding individual freedoms versus legislative decorum. While the resolution is largely viewed as a positive step towards maintaining order, there could be underlying concerns about how this may affect communication and engagement among members, especially in a digital age where technology plays a crucial role in legislative processes.