Suspends certain legal requirements as a result of emergency health measures relative to the Coronavirus.
Impact
This bill particularly affects various facets of state law, including the Louisiana Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure. It specifically suspends deadlines that pertain to legal processes, thereby allowing additional time for parties involved in legal proceedings to respond or meet requirements without the usual constraints. This suspension applies to both civil and criminal procedures, aiming to relieve the backlog and operational issues faced by the judiciary during the pandemic.
Summary
SCR20, introduced by Senator Cortez, is a Louisiana Senate Concurrent Resolution that seeks to suspend certain legal requirements as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill aims to alleviate pressure on the legal system and prevent disruptions in critical procedures during an unprecedented health crisis. By suspending deadlines related to legal proceedings, the resolution is designed to ensure that courts and administrative agencies can operate more flexibly amidst ongoing public health concerns and restrictions.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SCR20 appears to be largely supportive given the context of the pandemic, with recognition of the need for flexibility in legal procedures. Most legislators understand the necessity of measures that can support public health initiatives while maintaining judicial functionality. However, there may be concerns from various factions regarding the implications of such suspensions on due process rights and how this might set precedents for future emergencies.
Contention
Despite the overall support, the resolution does present points of contention, particularly regarding the implications of suspending certain legal requirements. Critics might argue that such measures, while necessary during a health crisis, could pave the way for misuse of power and diminish the robustness of legal protections typically granted to individuals. The balance between ensuring public safety and upholding legal standards may be a focal point in ongoing discussions around SCR20.
Suspends certain provisions relative to the definition of public health emergency for the purposes of the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act. (Item #28)
Provides for the suspension of all civil prescriptive, peremptive, filing, and other deadlines in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declared by the governor
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.