Louisiana House Bill HB740

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/18
• Refer: 3/28/18
• Report Pass: 4/11/18
• Engrossed: 4/24/18
• Refer: 4/25/18
• Report Pass: 5/2/18
• Enrolled: 5/9/18
• Chaptered: 5/18/18
• Passed: 5/18/18

Caption

Provides relative to the availability of auditor reports prepared or accepted by the legislative auditor

Impact

By implementing these changes, HB740 may significantly affect how audits are conducted and reported within the state framework. The legislation removes certain filing requirements and timelines, which could streamline the process of distributing audit reports. This adjustment is designed to facilitate quicker public access and place increased emphasis on accountability among public officers and employees, particularly in cases where audits reveal non-compliance with laws and regulations or alleged criminal acts.

Summary

House Bill 740 focuses on enhancing the availability of audit reports prepared or accepted by the legislative auditor in Louisiana. The bill amends R.S. 24:516(A) to improve public access to these reports, primarily by directing that they be made available via the legislative auditor's website. This advancement aims to foster greater transparency in government operations by ensuring that the public, as well as government officials, have easier access to important audit information.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB740 appears to be generally positive, particularly among those advocating for government transparency and accountability. Supporters argue that this bill represents a progressive step towards ensuring that governmental financial activities are open to scrutiny by both citizens and officials. However, there could be apprehensions about the implications of altering existing filing timelines, as there may be concerns over whether such changes could inadvertently diminish the thoroughness of audits or the time allotted for review.

Contention

While there does not seem to be significant opposition documented in the discussions surrounding HB740, the broader implications of public access to auditor reports could spark debates on privacy and data handling in future legislative sessions. Stakeholders may express concerns about balancing transparency with the need to maintain certain confidentiality regarding sensitive government operations. Nonetheless, the vote records indicate strong support for the bill, with 33 yeas and only 2 nays during the final passage in the Senate.