Louisiana House Bill HB383

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/17
• Refer: 3/31/17
• Refer: 4/10/17

Caption

Allows a former member of the board of commissioners of a fire protection district to contract with, be employed by, or be appointed to a position by the board of commissioners after a period of six months after termination of his service

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant implications for governance and employment within fire protection districts. The current law restricts former members from returning to any form of service or employment within their district immediately after their tenure, which can limit the pool of qualified candidates for open positions. By reducing this waiting period to six months, HB 383 may facilitate a smoother transition of roles and leverage the expertise of former members who are already familiar with the district's operations.

Summary

House Bill 383, introduced by Representative Billiot, proposes an amendment to the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics. Specifically, it allows former members of a board of commissioners of fire protection districts to contract with, be employed by, or appointed to a position by their former boards six months after their service has ended. This is a notable shift from existing laws that impose a two-year restriction on former public servants from engaging in transactions involving their previous agencies or boards.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment regarding HB 383 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the measure promotes efficiency by enabling experienced individuals to contribute to their local districts without unnecessary delays. They believe that such a move will enhance operational effectiveness within fire protection services. However, critics worry that this could lead to ethical concerns or perceptions of favoritism, as former board members could potentially have undue advantage in securing contracts or positions soon after their tenure.

Contention

Contention around this bill primarily centers on the balance of ethics in public service and the risk of conflicts of interest. While modifying the restriction period may foster experienced candidates re-entering the workforce in the fire protection domain, opponents are concerned about the potential for compromised integrity in decision-making processes. The discussions in committee highlight a critical analysis of whether the expedited return of former members could endanger public trust in governance and oversight in these essential services.