Louisiana House Bill HB434

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14

Caption

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)

Impact

The legislation is poised to impact state laws related to capital outlay funding by requiring the division of administration to maintain a separate record of appropriations directed at nongovernmental entities. This separation is likely to enhance visibility into how state funds are allocated, potentially improving oversight and ensuring that the appropriations process is more comprehensible to stakeholders and the general public. Furthermore, the inclusion of the application receipt date could affect how projects are prioritized based on submission timelines.

Summary

House Bill 434 seeks to amend Louisiana's capital outlay budgeting process by mandating that all line item appropriations for nongovernmental entities, which include both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, be included in a distinct schedule within the capital outlay bill. This change aims to ensure greater transparency and clarity regarding the distribution of state funds to these entities. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the date an application for funding is submitted must be included in the title of the respective project, integrating a new layer of accountability into the process.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 434 appears supportive among legislators who advocate for improved transparency in government spending. They argue that clearer delineation of appropriations for nongovernmental entities will bolster the accountability of state expenditures. However, there could be apprehension from those stakeholders who fear increased administrative burdens as the alterations to the capital outlay process are implemented. Opponents may express concern that additional requirements could slow down the funding process for essential services provided by these entities.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding HB 434 may arise around the implications of increased bureaucracy on the funding process. Some legislators and affected organizations may argue that the requirements could complicate the existing system, leading to delays in project approvals and funding disbursements. Moreover, discussions might emerge regarding the balance between transparency and efficiency in state budgeting, particularly concerning how these changes may influence the prioritization of projects that serve urgent community needs versus those with less immediate impacts.