Louisiana House Bill HB134

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/16
• Refer: 2/22/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Authorizes the clerk of court for DeSoto Parish to charge an additional fee for issuing birth and death certificates (OR +$55,500 LF RV See Note)

Impact

The legislation is expected to increase the financial resources available to the DeSoto Parish district court by allowing it to levy this additional fee. Opponents of the bill may argue that such fees could create barriers for individuals requiring vital records, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. This move may raise concerns about accessibility to important documents that are necessary for numerous legal and personal functions, such as applying for jobs or enrolling in schools.

Summary

House Bill 134 authorizes the clerk of the district court in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, to charge an additional fee of $10 for issuing certified copies of birth and death certificates. This bill amends existing legislation allowing clerks to issue these vital records and comes in response to the need for local authorities to generate additional revenue for vital record services. It seeks to streamline the procedures associated with the issuance of these documents while enabling clerks to recoup administrative costs through the additional charge.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that it provides necessary funding to clerks who manage vital records while maintaining compliance with state regulations. They believe that the fee amount is reasonable considering the services provided. However, critics raise concerns over the potential implications for residents who may struggle to afford the additional costs associated with obtaining essential documents.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the repeal of a previous requirement for the state registrar of vital records to promulgate rules related to the issuance of such certificates. This repeal could be seen as a reduction in oversight or standardization, which may be troubling for certain stakeholders. The balance between local authorities generating revenue and ensuring public access to vital records will continue to be an important consideration as HB134 is implemented.