Louisiana Senate Bill SB434

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/18/14

Caption

Provides for automobile expense allowance for certain clerks of court. (8/1/14)

Impact

The introduction of SB 434 would align the provisions for automobile expense allowances across various parishes, enhancing compensation for clerks of court tasked with fulfilling their responsibilities in regions with potentially higher travel demands. It retains the requirement for clerks to hold adequate automobile insurance, ensuring that public officials maintain a level of accountability and responsibility related to operating vehicles for work purposes. Importantly, funding for this allowance is sourced from surplus funds within the clerks' offices, which means no new state funding will be required.

Summary

Senate Bill 434, introduced by Senator LaFleur, amends Louisiana Revised Statutes to provide an automobile expense allowance for clerks of court in Allen and St. Bernard parishes. Previously, this allowance was only available to clerks in certain other parishes, establishing parity among clerks across regions. The allowance is set at fifteen percent of the clerk's annual salary, provided that specific insurance coverage is maintained. This measure aims to facilitate the work of clerks by offsetting travel costs associated with their official duties, offering financial support without imposing additional fiscal burdens on state or local authorities.

Sentiment

Overall, sentiment surrounding SB 434 appears to be supportive, particularly among those directly impacted, such as the clerks of court and their regional representatives. The bill is seen as a necessary adaptation to modernize clerks' compensation frameworks and promote equity across jurisdictions. However, there may be some skepticism regarding how surplus funds will be managed and whether it could impact operational budgets adversely in other areas. Legislative discussions suggest a recognition of the need for procedural changes to better support clerks in their roles.

Contention

While the bill is tentatively well-received, ongoing concerns about state budget implications and resource allocation remain. Some legislators may argue that even small allowances can accumulate to significant costs across multiple regions, drawing scrutiny about fiscal responsibility. The key point of discussion will likely focus on ensuring that clerk duties are adequately funded while maintaining transparency and accountability in the utilization of surplus funds.