Provides relative to the Department of Elderly Affairs, including provisions for officers and employees, rulemaking, and funding (EGF NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
One of the primary impacts of HB 246 is the transfer of all functions and appropriations from the previous Office of Elderly Affairs to the newly formed Department of Elderly Affairs. This reorganization is expected to streamline processes and ensure that funding and resources allocated for elderly services are properly managed and utilized. Moreover, the bill introduces a clearer oversight framework through the Louisiana Executive Board on Aging, which can recommend disciplinary actions against the secretary in accordance with civil service guidelines, signifying a more accountable form of governance.
Summary
House Bill 246 establishes the Department of Elderly Affairs as an executive branch department in Louisiana, redefining its internal structure and operational framework. The bill mandates that all officers and employees within this department, including the secretary, deputy secretary, and undersecretary, will be classified state service positions, ensuring their appointments and salaries are aligned with civil service rules. This structural change aims to enhance the governance and effectiveness of services directed towards elderly members of the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 246 appears to be positive among proponents who believe the establishment of a dedicated Department of Elderly Affairs will prioritize the needs of Louisiana's senior population and improve the delivery of essential services. However, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness of such structural changes without proper funding, resources, and oversight mechanisms, underscoring a need for comprehensive implementation strategies to ensure success.
Contention
While the bill does enjoy support for its intent to bolster services for the elderly, some critics argue that simply restructuring the department may not adequately address deeper systemic issues like funding shortages or service accessibility. Opponents might raise concerns about whether increasing bureaucratic control aligns with the goal of providing efficient and responsive services, questioning if the new framework will yield tangible benefits for the elderly community in Louisiana.
Provides relative to elderly affairs; creates the Department of Elderly Affairs, places the Louisiana Executive Board on Aging in the department, and provides for allocation of funds for programs for the elderly (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)
Abolishes the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Department of Children and Family Services and creates the Department of Health and Social Services (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Abolishes the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs and creates and provides for the Commission on Indian Affairs as its successor (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides funding to the Executive Department, office of elderly affairs for the parish councils on aging and provides funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs for operating expenses
Creates the Dept. of Health and Hospitals and Children and Family Services, abolishes the Dept. of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and creates separate entities within the new department as successors to the abolished departments (RE INCREASE See Note)
Creates the Office of the State Public Defender and Justice Investment and provides for the relocation of certain court-related service providers and related funding (RE SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)
Create the office of port development within the Department of Economic Development and create a port development advisory committee. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Transfers responsibility for certain state employee training programs to the Dept. of State Civil Service from the division of administration (EN NO IMPACT See Note)