Louisiana House Bill HB524

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Refer: 4/18/12
• Refer: 4/19/12
• Engrossed: 5/2/12
• Refer: 5/3/12
• Report Pass: 5/30/12
• Enrolled: 6/3/12
• Chaptered: 6/15/12
• Passed: 6/15/12

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to membership of constitutional boards and commissions with members from congressional districts

Impact

If passed, the bill will amend existing constitutional provisions concerning the Board of Regents and other state boards, facilitating a mechanism for filling vacancies by prioritizing under-represented congressional districts. This could potentially expand advocacy and input from a broader range of communities statewide. Additionally, the bill seeks to maintain diversity by emphasizing the need for board members to represent the state's population by race and gender. The change intends to make the state's governance structure more equitable in line with demographic shifts following census updates.

Summary

House Bill 524 proposes an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution regarding the composition of certain boards and commissions that include members selected from congressional districts. Specifically, the bill aims to ensure that membership on these boards reflects the state's district representation and demographic diversity. It allows for the continuation of the current number of members on these boards while detailing the process for filling vacancies due to reapportionment every ten years. This measure is designed to improve representation and ensure that underserved districts fulfill their representation across various state boards.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 524 appears mixed, with support from lawmakers who emphasize the importance of equitable representation and diversity in state governance. Advocates argue that such reforms would enhance the inclusivity of Louisiana's boards, enabling better decision-making that reflects the needs of all citizens. However, there are concerns about the implementation and the potential complexities involved in restructuring the membership guidelines. Opponents may view the changes as unnecessary or overly complicated, particularly those who prefer the status quo.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the method of filling board vacancies from congressional districts, which varies from the traditional approach. Critics argue that this could lead to disputes regarding the qualifications and selection of candidates, potentially complicating the process of governance. The proposal effectively centralizes the power of appointment to state governance, which raises questions about local representation and the balance between state and local interests. Such debates signify an ongoing tension within Louisiana's political landscape regarding the role and influence of state governance on local constituencies.