Louisiana Senate Bill SB328

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/18/12

Caption

Provides for poverty impact statements for proposed legislation. (1/1/13)

Impact

If enacted, SB 328 would require all significant legislative proposals to include a brief narrative indicating their potential impact on poverty. This provision aims to ensure that lawmakers consider the socio-economic ramifications of their decisions, particularly on vulnerable populations. By necessitating a poverty impact statement, the bill seeks to foster greater awareness among legislators about the implications of new laws on poverty levels, potentially leading to more informed policy-making.

Summary

Senate Bill 328 aims to introduce poverty impact statements for proposed legislation within the state of Louisiana. This bill mandates that the Legislative Fiscal Office prepares an analysis of how specific legislative measures might affect poverty levels, particularly focusing on children and families. The poverty impact statement will evaluate various domains, including household income, early childhood development, employment, taxes, and essential services such as healthcare and housing. The bill emphasizes a collaborative approach where state departments, agencies, and institutions are required to assist in gathering the necessary data for these analyses.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB 328 appears to be positive among advocates for social equity and child welfare. Supporters view it as a crucial step towards ensuring that the effects of legislation do not unintentionally exacerbate poverty. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the feasibility of implementation and the adequacy of resources available for effectively preparing these statements. Nonetheless, the overarching intent is to promote transparency and socio-economic responsibility in legislative processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention for SB 328 may emerge around the practicality of compiling poverty impact statements and the potential delays in legislative processes that could result from this added requirement. Some legislators might argue that the necessity of an impact statement for every significant bill could slow down the legislative agenda. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the methodologies used to measure poverty impacts and whether they are comprehensive enough to accurately reflect the diverse needs of different communities.