Louisiana House Bill HB717

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/18
• Refer: 3/21/18
• Report Pass: 3/28/18
• Engrossed: 4/9/18
• Refer: 4/10/18
• Report Pass: 5/9/18
• Enrolled: 5/15/18
• Chaptered: 5/23/18
• Passed: 5/23/18

Caption

Provides for the membership of certain museum boards

Impact

The changes outlined in HB 717 will reconfigure the way members of the respective museum boards are appointed and compensated. Under the new provisions, various appointments will be made by the secretary of state, which seeks to introduce a more cohesive approach to board selection. Board members are expected to serve without compensation but will have reimbursement for actual meeting-related expenses. This structured approach could increase accountability and engagement from board members, fostering a better relationship with the state's cultural and historical mandates.

Summary

House Bill 717 amends existing Louisiana legislation to provide a revised structure for the membership of certain museum boards, specifically the Advisory Board of the Old State Capitol and the Regional Museum Governing Board of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. The bill aims to clarify the composition and selection process for these boards, ensuring that members are knowledgeable and interested in the fields of art, history, and cultural restoration. This revision promotes a more structured governance framework for the museums involved, potentially enhancing their operational effectiveness and mission clarity.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 717 appears to be supportive as it seeks to instill a sense of order and purpose in the governance of state museums. Stakeholders likely see this as a positive step towards enhancing cultural representation and history awareness through more efficiently managed boards. Most discussions around the legislation emphasize the importance of having individuals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about the museums' missions, indicating an appreciation for cultural heritage within the state.

Contention

While there may be broad support for reorganizing museum boards, some points of contention could arise regarding the selection process managed by the secretary of state. Critics might argue that centralizing appointments could lead to a lack of diversity in board representation and a disconnect from local interests. Ensuring that the appointed members reflect the community's diverse perspectives might be a subject of debate, particularly concerning how well these boards will address the unique cultural aspects specific to their respective regions.