Louisiana House Bill HB56

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 3/30/10
• Engrossed: 4/6/10
• Report Pass: 4/28/10
• Enrolled: 5/11/10
• Chaptered: 5/19/10
• Passed: 5/19/10

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Public Service

Impact

The passage of HB 56 is significant as it not only guarantees the continuation of the Department of Public Service but also addresses any legislative termination concerns regarding its operational authority. By explicitly outlining termination dates and the potential for re-creation, the bill aims to maintain regulatory consistency and stability in public service management. This action will protect the department from abrupt ceasing of authority, thus ensuring ongoing regulatory oversight in critical areas governed by the Department of Public Service.

Summary

House Bill 56 aims to re-create the Louisiana Department of Public Service and its associated statutory entities, ensuring their continued existence until at least June 30, 2010, with provisions for potential re-creation before July 1, 2015. This legislative act seeks to clarify and continue the operational authority of the Department, which plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of public service in Louisiana. By re-establishing this department, the bill aims to streamline the governance and regulatory framework under which these entities operate, reinforcing their statutory basis under state law.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 56 appeared to be generally supportive, with acknowledgment from lawmakers about the necessity of keeping the Department of Public Service operational. The re-creation of this department was seen as a proactive measure to prevent disruption in public service provisions. There may have been some concerns or discussions regarding the implications of setting specific termination dates, but overall, the focus remained on the importance of the department's role in state governance.

Contention

While the bill focused on re-creating the Department, one notable point of contention could revolve around the rationale for setting a re-creation threshold and the implications of declining statutory authority. With the existing law noting a phased termination of responsibilities by July 2015 unless re-created earlier, this could suggest an ongoing legislative debate about the relevancy and necessity of maintaining such entities. Any discussions on revisiting the effectiveness and impact of the Department of Public Service could highlight differing perspectives on governmental structure and state regulation.