Louisiana House Bill HB447

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/2/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 3/29/18
• Engrossed: 4/9/18
• Refer: 4/10/18
• Report Pass: 5/1/18
• Enrolled: 5/16/18
• Chaptered: 5/23/18
• Passed: 5/23/18

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Justice and provides relative to its structure

Impact

The re-creation of the Department of Justice will reinforce state authority and the functions related to legal services across a wide array of sectors, including the criminal and civil domains. The establishment of specialized divisions is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement and legal representation for state entities, while also bolstering consumer protections. This re-structuring also comes with a phased termination of some statutory authorities by July 1, 2024, necessitating legislative attention to ensure that critical functions continue seamlessly after that date.

Summary

House Bill 447 aims to re-create the Department of Justice in Louisiana, providing a structured framework for its operation and depicting a diversity of divisions under its umbrella. The bill outlines specific divisions within the department, including the criminal division and the federalism division, which are tasked with various roles such as appellate work and consumer protection. This legislative effort is significant as it establishes the continuity of the Department of Justice, ensuring its authority and functions until at least July 1, 2025, with the possibility for its re-creation thereafter.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 447 appears to be largely supportive within legislative discussions, as the re-creation of a pivotal state agency is seen as a move to ensure efficient governance and legal consistency across Louisiana. However, there could exist concerns in the public domain regarding the implications of such statutory amendments on local governance and resources, emphasizing a careful balance that must be struck between state oversight and local needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the delineation of responsibilities and powers among the various divisions created under the Department of Justice. Potential concerns include how resources will be allocated among the different segments of the department and whether the new structures will adequately cover all agency needs, particularly in critical areas such as consumer protection and public safety. Additionally, as the statutory authority nears its termination date in 2025, there may be debates over future legislative directions and adjustments needed.