Provides for the receipt of certain pro bono legal services from state and private university law schools by small and emerging businesses and prohibits certain activities by law school clinics. (8/15/10)
Impact
The bill amends existing laws to allow law school clinics to represent individuals and businesses in specific court contexts, such as criminal cases and juvenile court, while explicitly prohibiting them from filing lawsuits against government agencies or seeking monetary damages. The legislation emphasizes a structured support system for small businesses and mandates oversight by state legislative committees to ensure compliance with state regulations. The impact is aimed at creating a supportive legal environment for small business owners while limiting the operational scope of law clinics.
Summary
Senate Bill 549 aims to facilitate the receipt of pro bono legal services by small and emerging businesses from state and private university law schools in Louisiana. The legislation encourages law clinics to assist these businesses while imposing certain restrictions on the activities permitted by law school clinics that receive state funding. This bill is intended to enhance access to legal services for small business owners struggling with legal issues, thereby promoting economic growth and development within the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 549 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for small businesses who see this as a positive step towards enhancing legal accessibility for those who may have previously struggled to obtain necessary legal support. However, there are concerns regarding the restrictions placed on law school clinics, which some may view as limiting the ability of these clinics to serve the community fully, leading to mixed opinions about the effectiveness and breadth of assistance available to low-income or disadvantaged individuals.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding the bill include the balance between providing legal support to small businesses and the restrictions placed on law clinics, which may impede their ability to engage in certain legal actions traditionally associated with law school clinics. The potential forfeiture of state funding for violations of the bill's provisions raises questions about enforcement and the operational autonomy of law school clinics, as well as the long-term implications for legal education and public service within the state's educational institutions.
Provides for activities of certain entities or organizations involved in extracurricular student athletic activities which receive more than fifty percent of funding from public schools. (8/1/20)
Excludes pay to school bus drivers for certain school-related extracurricular activities performed under private contracts from the definition of earnable compensation. (7/1/10) (RE DECREASE APV)
Prohibits certain district attorneys and assistant district attorneys from being able to perform "private practice work" for local government entities that are represented by the district attorney's office. (8/15/10)