Provides relative to per diem for members and board of commissioners of levee districts and levee and drainage districts (EN +$55,527 LF EX See Note)
If enacted, HB 709 would significantly alter existing laws governing the compensation of board members in these districts. It establishes clearer guidelines for per diem payments, which could enhance both fairness and accountability in how board members receive compensation for their services. By standardizing per diem rates with federal allowances, the bill aims to simplify the financial structures within these boards, which could impact how local funds are allocated and managed.
House Bill 709 seeks to amend specific provisions related to the per diem paid to members of boards of commissioners for levee districts and levee and drainage districts in Louisiana. The bill proposes that board members' per diem should align with federal rates, specifically setting a cap of seventy-five dollars per day for official board activities. Additionally, it mandates that any board of commissioners planning to vote on an increase in per diem must provide at least two weeks of public notice, fostering transparency in their financial decisions.
The sentiment around HB 709 appears to be generally supportive among legislators, as evidenced by the overwhelming vote in favor during the House vote on June 9, 2015, where it received 98 yeas and no nays. This strong bipartisan support suggests that members of the legislature view the bill as a beneficial reform for the governance of levee districts, presenting a unified front regarding enhancing fiscal responsibility and accountability in public service.
Despite the overall support for HB 709, some considerations were raised regarding the potential implications for local control and governance. Critics may argue that standardized rates could overlook the unique needs and economic conditions of different levee districts across the state. However, no significant opposition seems to have surfaced during the voting process, indicating a consensus on the perceived need for reform in handling per diem payments.