Louisiana House Bill HCR110

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/14/10
• Engrossed: 4/14/10
• Report Pass: 6/9/10
• Passed: 6/10/10

Caption

Requests all state departments to report information regarding delivery of services to Spanish-speaking, limited English proficiency persons to the Latino Commission

Impact

The resolution's impact on state laws revolves around compliance with existing federal regulations, specifically Executive Order 13166, which mandates meaningful access for LEP individuals to services funded by federal resources. By requiring state agencies to report on their interactions with Spanish-speaking LEP persons, the resolution aims to improve transparency and accountability regarding service delivery, which may lead to enhanced resources and support for these communities.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 110 urges Louisiana state departments to compile and report data regarding the delivery of services to Spanish-speaking individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). It references the Civil Rights Act of 1964, emphasizing the importance of non-discriminatory access to governmental services. The resolution aims to authorize the Latino Commission to monitor these services, ensuring that LEP individuals are not marginalized in delivery of public services, particularly in a state where the Latino population has grown significantly since events like Hurricane Katrina.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR110 appears to be generally supportive among advocates for civil rights and equitable access to services. Proponents highlight the necessity of accurate reporting in addressing the needs of LEP populations, whereas critics may express concerns regarding bureaucracy or the feasibility of reporting requirements. However, the overall framing of the resolution aligns with a commitment to combating discrimination and ensuring equal access to government services.

Contention

While HCR110 is primarily a call for data collection rather than a law imposing new regulations or mandates, it brings to the forefront discussions about the effectiveness of state agencies in addressing the needs of a growing Latino population. A potential point of contention could arise regarding how state agencies operationalize these reporting requirements and the implications for resource allocation and service improvements based on the findings. Additionally, there might be debate over what constitutes adequate language assistance and what measures agencies must take if they encounter substantial numbers of LEP individuals.