Louisiana House Bill HB154

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Refer: 4/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/2/19
• Engrossed: 5/16/19
• Refer: 5/20/19
• Report Pass: 5/27/19
• Enrolled: 5/31/19
• Chaptered: 6/3/19
• Passed: 6/3/19

Caption

Provides relative to work shift cycles of dispatchers employed by the Houma police department (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, the changes mandated by HB 154 would have a direct impact on employee scheduling and compensation within the police department of Houma. By allowing the implementation of a twelve-hour shift cycle, the bill seeks to enhance operational efficiency and possibly improve response times. The overtime provision ensures that employees will be compensated fairly for hours worked beyond the standard eighty-hour biweekly schedule, which could improve morale by recognizing the efforts of those who work extended hours.

Summary

House Bill 154 focuses on the city of Houma's police department by allowing it to implement twelve-hour work shift cycles for various employees, including dispatchers. The amendment to R.S. 33:2213(K) provides specific provisions for calculating compensatory time and overtime pay for employees who work in these new shifts. This bill aims to provide more flexibility in scheduling for the police department's personnel and aims to better meet the demands of public safety operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 154 appears to be generally supportive, as it aims to benefit the personnel of the Houma police department without imposing significant changes or burdens on other local entities. The bill received unanimous support during its voting process, suggesting that it was viewed positively by the legislators involved. This bipartisan support reflects a recognition of the unique needs of law enforcement personnel and the importance of their working conditions.

Contention

While there may not have been significant public contention surrounding HB 154, any discussions about changes in work schedules within law enforcement can raise concerns about working conditions and employee well-being. Ensuring that the changes do not negatively impact the work-life balance of the department's personnel is essential. Moreover, monitoring the implementation will be crucial to ensure that the flexibility in scheduling leads to improved results for the community and does not hinder police operations.