Louisiana Senate Bill SB750

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/19/12
• Engrossed: 4/25/12
• Refer: 4/26/12
• Report Pass: 5/15/12
• Enrolled: 5/31/12
• Chaptered: 6/14/12
• Passed: 6/14/12

Caption

Requires the consideration of certain poverty impact issues and issuance of a poverty impact statement prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of rules by a state agency. (1/1/13) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, SB750 would reshape the way state agencies develop and implement regulations, ensuring that the implications for poverty are thoroughly assessed and documented. This added layer of scrutiny could foster more equitable policymaking that directly considers the socioeconomic challenges faced by individuals and families living in poverty. The legislation will create a formal procedure for evaluating the broader impacts of rules on community assets and developmental factors, potentially leading to more informed decisions that take into account the needs of low-income residents.

Summary

Senate Bill 750 aims to introduce a systematic approach to evaluating the socioeconomic effects of administrative rules adopted by state agencies. Specifically, it mandates that state agencies issue a 'poverty impact statement' prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule. This statement must address the potential impacts of the proposed changes on various dimensions of poverty, such as household income, financial security, and access to essential services like healthcare and education. Such requirements emphasize the importance of considering how regulations can affect vulnerable populations and community development efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB750 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for social justice and economic equity. Proponents view the bill as a necessary step towards ensuring that the voices of those affected by poverty are considered in the state's regulatory process. However, there could be contention regarding the additional requirements placed on state agencies and concerns about the feasibility of consistently producing such impact statements. Critics may argue that this could slow down the rulemaking process or impose undue burdens on agencies, which could be counterproductive.

Contention

The primary contention associated with SB750 revolves around the practicality of implementing the poverty impact statements. While the need for poverty considerations in rule-making is recognized, dissenting voices may raise points about the potential complexities and resource demands involved in generating comprehensive statements. There may also be discussions regarding how to effectively measure the impact of proposed regulations on poverty without slowing down critical governance processes. This highlights the ongoing balancing act between ensuring responsible policymaking and maintaining efficient administrative practices.