Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB402

Introduced
3/29/10  
Refer
3/29/10  
Report Pass
4/20/10  
Engrossed
5/3/10  
Refer
5/4/10  
Report Pass
6/10/10  
Enrolled
6/21/10  
Chaptered
6/29/10  

Caption

Requires the Board of Regents to broadcast on the Internet the audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge and to archive the audio and video of such meetings

Impact

The enactment of HB 402 is expected to amend state laws related to public access and transparency in governmental proceedings, particularly concerning the Board of Regents' operations. By requiring live broadcasts and archived recordings, the legislation fosters an environment of openness where stakeholders, such as students, educators, and the general public, can stay informed about board decisions and discussions. This reform also holds the board accountable to the public, as constituents will have the opportunity to review full meetings rather than rely on summarized reports.

Summary

House Bill 402 mandates that the Louisiana Board of Regents shall live broadcast all of its board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge over the Internet. This initiative aims to enhance transparency by providing public access to these meetings through live audio and video streams. Additionally, all broadcasts will be recorded and archived for a minimum of one year, promoting accountability and allowing individuals to review discussions that may influence decisions made by the board.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 402 generally leans towards positive, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public engagement in governance. Supporters of the bill, including various advocacy groups, have hailed its potential to facilitate greater public involvement and oversight of the Board of Regents. However, there may be apprehensions regarding technical implementation and potential barriers to accessibility for all community members, though these concerns do not significantly overshadow the bill's overall approval among legislative peers.

Contention

While HB 402 represents a progressive step toward enhancing governmental transparency, some points of contention may arise over practical aspects, such as the technological requirements for broadcasting and archiving meetings. Concerns about ensuring consistent and reliable internet access during these broadcasts could pose challenges, particularly given the potential for technical issues that might hinder the implementation of the bill's requirements. Furthermore, the delineation of what constitutes an official record remains a relevant discussion point, especially regarding the accessibility and relevance of recorded meetings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB403

Requires BESE to broadcast on the Internet the audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge and to archive the audio and video of such meetings (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB59

Requires the boards of supervisors for the Louisiana State University, Southern University, University of Louisiana and Louisiana Community and Technical College systems to broadcast the live audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge on the Internet. (1/1/14) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB81

Requires the boards of supervisors for the Louisiana State University, Southern University, University of Louisiana and Louisiana Community and Technical College systems to broadcast the live audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge over the Internet. (1/1/15) (EG +$198,000 GF EX See Note)

LA SB298

Requires BESE to broadcast its meetings over the Internet and to archive such broadcasts. (8/15/10) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HCR51

Requests the Board of Ethics to work with the office of facility planning and control to determine the potential costs and feasibility of installing audio-video equipment in the board's meeting room to record, archive, and broadcast board meetings

LA HB1487

Local government; live audio or video broadcast and archive of meetings.

LA HB328

Require certain govt boards to record public meetings in audio and video format

LA HB890

Require certain govt boards to provide audio/video recordings of public meetings

LA S0514

Requires the state retirement board to publish online all archived video or audio recordings and all future recordings of meetings of the board.

LA H5715

Requires the state retirement board to publish online all archived video or audio recordings and all future recordings of meetings of the board.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.