Louisiana House Bill HCR113

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/14
• Refer: 4/29/14
• Report Pass: 5/6/14
• Engrossed: 5/14/14

Caption

Requests the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to meet and function as a joint committee to study the advisability of requiring the Orleans Parish registrar of voters to serve for a term of office concurrent with the term of office of the members of the city council

Impact

The potential impact of HCR113 revolves around the appointment and operational procedures of the registrar of voters in Orleans Parish. By aligning the term of the registrar with that of the city council members, the resolution seeks to enhance electoral integrity and governance. This may lead to improved coordination between the city council and the registrar’s office, potentially streamlining decision-making processes and accountability regarding voter registration and election administration.

Summary

HCR113 is a House Concurrent Resolution which requests the establishment of a joint committee comprising the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs. The purpose of this committee is to study the advisability of requiring the Orleans Parish registrar of voters to serve for a term of office that runs concurrently with the terms of the members of the city council of New Orleans. This resolution is aimed at exploring the implications of aligning the terms of these two offices to ensure better governance and accountability within electoral processes in the parish.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR113 appears to lean towards a supportive view, particularly from those who advocate for stronger governance and accountability measures in local elections. Supporters may argue that this alignment would ensure that the registrar is more accountable to the council that appoints them, thereby improving the overall functionality of the electoral system. However, there may also be concerns regarding the independence of the registrar's office and the potential for political influence over voter registration practices.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not seem to have elicited significant contention, it opens the floor for discussions about the independence of electoral processes versus political accountability. Critics might express concerns about the implications of tying the registrar's tenure to political officeholders, questioning whether this could lead to conflicts of interest or undue political pressure on the registrar's functions. Thus, the discussion may revolve around finding a balance between necessary political collaboration and maintaining the integrity of the registrar's duties.