Requires approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget before certain salary increases to unclassified employees in the executive branch are effective in the last ninety days of an administration. (7/1/16) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The impact of SB 49 extends to the governance and operational dynamics within the executive branch. By requiring legislative approval for salary adjustments at such a critical juncture, the bill seeks to prevent last-minute spending decisions that might not align with the priorities of an incoming administration. This law, therefore, ensures that budgetary control remains within legislative oversight, maintaining a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches during transitions of leadership.
Summary
Senate Bill 49 introduces new budgetary controls on personnel within the executive branch of the Louisiana state government. Specifically, it mandates that any cost-of-living increases, performance adjustments, or other general salary increases for unclassified employees must receive approval from the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget during the final ninety days of a governor's term. This is a significant change aimed at enhancing oversight during a potentially vulnerable period when a new governor may be taking office.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be largely supportive among members of the legislature who see it as a necessary reform to enhance accountability and ensure prudent financial management. Advocates argue that it protects taxpayer interests by preventing hasty financial commitments before a new governor takes office. Nonetheless, some concerns were raised about potential administrative disruptions that could arise from the need for legislative approval at such a critical transition time.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding SB 49 was the timing of its provisions, particularly how it would interact with the need for flexibility in managing personnel changes during government transitions. Critics expressed concern that imposing stringent budgetary controls during the last ninety days of a governor's term might hinder timely and necessary adjustments in staffing and compensation that could affect government operations. Thus, the debate reflects broader themes of governance, accountability, and the delicate balance between spending oversight and operational agility.
Requires budget requests and the executive budget include information on unclassified employees and requires Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget approval of the creation of new unclassified positions. (7/1/10) (OR NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Requires legislative approval for a state executive branch official or employee to receive compensation that exceeds the salary authorized by law for the governor by more than 20% with certain exceptions (RE SEE FISC NOTE EX)
Recreates the Joint Legislative Committee on Reorganization of the Executive Branch and provides relative to its studies and recommendations (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Prohibits the increase in salary of unclassified employees in the executive branch of state government for a period commencing on the gubernatorial election day and concluding on inauguration day. (gov sig)
Provides for the annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget by departments and public postsecondary education management boards on enacted legislation with significant fiscal impact. (7/1/13) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to actions of Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget relative to the forty-five day close period. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)