Requests commissioner of administration to transfer the former insurance building site to the legislative branch for use by the legislative auditor and the legislature. (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
If enacted, SCR62 would formally request the commissioner of administration to determine the best use and disposition of the property in question. The resolution reflects a strategic move to ensure that legislative facilities are adequately housed within close vicinity to the state capitol. This shift in property management is seen as a practical step, especially given the current overcrowding of the legislative auditor's office in the First Circuit Court of Appeal building and the need for a more appropriate space for legislative operations.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 62 (SCR62) addresses the request for the former site of the state insurance building, situated near the state capitol, to be transferred to the control of the Louisiana legislature. This resolution is based on the assessment that the site, which currently includes an existing parking structure, is nonessential to the operations of the Department of Insurance. The proposed transfer is intended to facilitate the use of this space by the legislative auditor and other legislative functions, ultimately aiming to align the legislative operations with their proximity to the capitol.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR62 appears to be largely supportive within the legislature, as it aligns with the operational needs of the legislative body and aims to enhance the efficiency of state governance. The unanimous vote in favor of the resolution, with 31 yeas and no nays recorded, indicates a strong consensus among lawmakers on this proposal, emphasizing the importance of having relevant administrative bodies located near the legislature for better coordination and oversight.
Contention
While SCR62 has not sparked significant public debate or contention, the resolution does underscore issues of state property management and legislative efficiency. The reliance on the commissioner of administration to facilitate the transfer may invoke discussions about the management of state assets and the legislative branch's autonomy in relation to executive oversight. However, the absence of opposition during the voting process suggests that any potential conflicts over this resolution have been effectively resolved prior to the formal adoption.
Requires a study of the feasibility and practicality of using the Department of Insurance building location to provide for legislative apartments and offices
Requests the legislative auditor to identify expenditures of proceeds collected by the state but not deposited into the treasury and general fund expenditures not appropriated by the legislature
Requests the Department of Revenue and the Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with the Legislative Auditor, to take all action necessary to collect oil and gas severance tax and mineral royalties and to establish procedures to verify the accuracy of payments and refunds thereof, all to be monitored by the Legislative Auditor and reported to the legislature. (OR1 SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)
Requests Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee to study Public Records Law and communications used, being in use, possessed, or retained for use by the legislature or any legislative agency, committee, member, or employee in the usual course of the duties and business of the legislature or a member's legislative office.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.