Provides relative to the distribution and sale of certain public documents (EN DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The bill's implementation impacts how public documents are distributed and accessed across Louisiana. By allowing the secretary of state to charge fees for previously free documents, the bill could generate additional revenue for the state. The legislation also mandates the distribution of legislative acts and journals to libraries and officials rather than individuals or entities that previously received them. This change is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of document distribution and focusing resources on maintaining state archives and libraries.
Summary
House Bill 241, introduced by Representative Barras, focuses on the distribution and sale of certain public documents in Louisiana. The legislation amends existing laws related to the responsibilities of the secretary of state regarding the distribution of legislative acts and journals. One of the major changes is the removal of provisions that required the secretary of state to provide certain publications free of charge to specified persons and entities. Instead, the bill allows for the imposition of fees for the distribution of these documents, thus establishing a cost recovery mechanism for the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 241 appears to be generally positive among lawmakers who support it, viewing it as a necessary step for modernizing state practices regarding the distribution of public documents. However, there may be concerns from advocacy groups about public access to information, especially if financial barriers are introduced for accessing crucial government documents. Legislators believe the bill enhances transparency while allowing the state to recoup costs for document reproduction.
Contention
Notably, the contention arises from the potential impact on public access to important legislative documents. Critics argue that the imposition of fees might limit access to these documents for smaller entities or individuals, which could inadvertently hinder transparency and public participation in government. There are also discussions about whether the fees collected will be effectively used to enhance the state's library resources, particularly in supporting the Law Library of Louisiana.
Creates the Louisiana Jobs Now Fund for the purpose of funding postsecondary education degree and certificate production in high-demand fields (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Creates and provides for Louisiana Educational Workforce Training Fund to provide opportunities for educational training in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to repeal severance taxes upon oil and gas and to allow the levy of a tax upon hydrocarbon processing and to require a dedication of the first use of such taxes to replace constitutional dedications of severance tax and to require the distribution of the remainder for state highways or bridges, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund, and to or for the use of schools, colleges and universities, and other post secondary education institutions. (2/3-CA13sl(A)) (EG INCREASE SD RV See Note)
Creates the Louisiana Jobs Now Fund for the purpose of funding postsecondary education degree and certificate production in high-demand fields (EG +$21,000,000 SD RV See Note)
Requests the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force to study the feasability of creating a program to provide education on child passenger safety and coordinate the distribution of child safety seats to families in need.