Louisiana House Bill HCR58

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/20
• Refer: 5/4/20
• Report Pass: 5/7/20

Caption

Suspends certain provisions of Title 29 of the La. Revised Statutes relative to public emergencies

Impact

The resolution signifies a significant alteration in state law concerning the management of emergency situations, particularly those declared by the governor in relation to public health crises like COVID-19. By suspending specific provisions, the bill grants local leaders, such as mayors and parish presidents, the authority to make independent decisions regarding the reopening of their communities in accordance with federal and state health guidelines, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and potentially improving local response to public health needs.

Summary

HCR58 is a House Concurrent Resolution that seeks to suspend certain provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes pertaining to public emergencies for a period of fifteen days. It specifically targets statutory provisions that impose criminal penalties for violations related to emergency orders and empowers the governor to manage evacuations and establish protocols in response to disasters. This resolution was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects the need for flexibility in how local governments respond to varying public health circumstances across different parishes in Louisiana.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HCR58 appeared to be cautiously optimistic among local governance advocates, who appreciated the increased autonomy for local officials to respond to their unique community situations. However, there were underlying concerns from some factions about the balance of power between state and local authorities during emergencies. On the other hand, state authority proponents viewed the suspension as a necessary adaptation to handle the complexities of a public health emergency effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention included discussions surrounding the limitations that pre-existing laws placed on mayors and local leaders. Critics of the centralized approach highlighted that these restrictions hindered timely and appropriate responses tailored to specific local conditions. The resolution's temporary suspension might set a precedent for future emergencies, prompting debates on the authority of local versus state governance in crisis management and the associated implications for public safety and autonomy.