Louisiana House Bill HB765

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Changes the "Official Journal of the State" from a newspaper to the Legislature's website (OR -$257,168 GF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to existing laws regarding the publication of legislative acts, specifically mandating that all acts be made accessible on the legislature's website within thirty days after a legislative session concludes. Additionally, laws with earlier effective dates must be published on the website within forty-eight hours of enactment. By converting the official journal of the state to a digital platform, the bill aims to facilitate quicker public access to such documents, which is seen as an enhancement of government transparency.

Summary

House Bill 765 aims to change the traditional model of the 'Official Journal of the State' from a physical newspaper to the official website of the Louisiana State Legislature. This legislative initiative seeks to increase accessibility and modernize the dissemination of legislative acts and joint resolutions by making them available online, thereby reducing reliance on print media. This transition is expected to streamline the publication process for new laws and enhance public access to legislative documents in a timely and efficient manner.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 765 appears to be largely positive among legislative proponents who advocate for modernizing the state's communications infrastructure. Supporters suggest that the bill reflects progressive governance and aligns with current technological trends. However, there might be concerns among those who fear that shifting solely to a digital platform could impact accessibility for individuals who rely on traditional print media, raising issues of equity in accessing governmental information.

Contention

While proponents laud the efficiency of reduced printing and increased access, opponents might argue that the bill could marginalize segments of the population less familiar with digital technology. Additionally, some may express concern over the potential loss of the local newspaper's role in disseminating important government information, as the bill repeals requirements for physical print media in certain aspects of legislative communication. The debate thus centers on the balance between modernization and traditional methods of public information dissemination.