Louisiana House Bill HR180

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/12
• Passed: 6/4/12

Caption

Urges and requests the commissioner of administration to transfer funding and positions from the Department of Health and Hospitals to the Office of Elderly Affairs for elderly protective services

Impact

The resolution's passage would facilitate a significant change in the management and delivery of services aimed at protecting the elderly. By transferring funds and positions to the Office of Elderly Affairs, the bill intends to streamline operations and improve the effectiveness of protective services tailored for older adults. This could potentially enhance the state’s responsiveness to cases of abuse or neglect among the elderly, ensuring that the resources are directed towards those who require them most. However, the resolution is merely an urging of intent rather than binding legislation.

Summary

House Resolution 180, introduced by Representative Harrison, aims to urge the transfer of $2,598,484 in State General Fund (Direct) and 22 positions from the Department of Health and Hospitals' Office of Aging and Adult Services to the Office of Elderly Affairs. This resolution focuses specifically on enhancing the state's capacity to provide elderly protective services. The motivation behind HR180 stems from a previous legislative context where the transfer of these functions was attempted but ultimately failed, emphasizing the need for successful reallocation to better serve the elderly population's protective needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR180 is generally supportive, particularly among advocacy groups focused on elderly welfare. Proponents argue that the resolution is a necessary step towards empowering the Office of Elderly Affairs to effectively manage and oversee protective services. Nevertheless, there exists a level of apprehension regarding the administrative capacity and readiness of the receiving office to absorb the increased responsibilities and funding. Questions about the efficacy of inter-departmental transfers could lead to debates around resource allocation and prioritization.

Contention

There are potential points of contention that could arise from HR180, especially regarding the operational implications of transferring such significant funding and personnel. Critics may question the long-term sustainability of this funding amidst budget constraints and whether the Office of Elderly Affairs will have adequate infrastructure in place to enhance its protective services. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding the effectiveness of transferring existing resources versus increased funding to grow these services, especially considering the persistent needs of the aging population in the state.