Requires nongovernmental entities to submit additional information for line item appropriation requests (RE NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
The enactment of HB 225 would amend existing laws governing how nongovernmental entities solicit funding from the state. By mandating public disclosure and audits, the bill is designed to promote accountability and oversight in the allocation and use of state funds. This change could lead to greater public awareness and scrutiny of how appropriated funds are utilized, encouraging better financial governance and potentially reducing misuse of state resources. The requirement for public notices could also improve community awareness regarding local funding decisions.
Summary
House Bill 225, introduced by Representative Champagne, seeks to increase transparency in the funding process for nongovernmental entities that request state appropriations. The bill mandates these entities to submit additional information with their funding requests, specifically requiring certification that they will publish notifications in the official journal of their parish regarding the receipt of appropriated funds. Furthermore, the entities must make their records related to the expenditure of these funds public and agree to audits concerning their financial operations. This legislation aims to ensure that the use of state funds is monitored and disclosed adequately.
Sentiment
The reception of HB 225 appears largely supportive, particularly among legislators who advocate for increased accountability and transparency in government spending. Supporters argue that it addresses concerns about the lack of oversight for appropriated funds to nongovernmental entities, fostering public trust in how taxpayer dollars are managed. However, there may be reservations from some groups regarding the administrative burden these requirements could place on smaller entities, which might find the new regulations challenging to comply with due to limited resources.
Contention
While the bill is mostly seen as a proactive measure for financial accountability, potential points of contention include concerns over the additional documentation and certification burden it places on nongovernmental entities. Smaller organizations might struggle with the requirements, leading to fears that this could limit their ability to receive funding. Nevertheless, the overarching goal of enhancing public trust and ensuring proper fund usage presents a compelling case for the passage of this legislation.
Creates the "Transparent Responsible Use of State Tax-dollars (T.R.U.S.T.) Act" to provide for appropriation requirements for nongovernmental entities. (2/3-CA7s2.1(A)) (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Creates the "Transparent Responsible Use of State Tax-dollars (T.R.U.S.T.) Act" to provide for requirements for nongovernmental entities and provides for a nongovernmental entity database. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Requires line item appropriations for nongovernmental entities in the capital outlay bill to be listed in a separate schedule and requires the date the application was received to be included in the project title (OR NO IMPACT EX See Note)
Requires certain quasi public and nongovernmental entities to submit information to the legislative auditor and be approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget prior to receiving state monies or assistance (RE +$135,000 GF EX See Note)
Requires certain quasi public and nongovernmental entities to submit information to the legislative auditor and be approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget prior to receiving state monies or assistance
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.