Louisiana House Bill HR7

Louisiana 2020 2nd Special Session

• Introduced: 10/6/20
• Refer: 10/6/20

Caption

Prohibits employees of the House of Representatives from being reprimanded for suggesting that a person in their presence wear a protective face covering under certain circumstances

Impact

The implementation of HR7 is expected to have a direct impact on the operational environment within the House of Representatives. By protecting employees who advocate for safety measures like mask-wearing, the resolution establishes a framework that encourages health-conscious behavior without fear of professional repercussions. This measure reflects a legislative commitment to prioritizing health safety, particularly amidst crises such as pandemics, and sets a standard that could influence other legislative bodies in their approach to similar health concerns.

Summary

House Resolution 7 (HR7) was introduced during the 2020 Second Extraordinary Session and focuses on the protection of employees within the House of Representatives regarding public health emergencies. Specifically, it aims to prohibit any employee from facing reprimand or reprisal for requesting that individuals, including legislators, wear facial coverings when they are within six feet during work-related encounters. This legislation was notably inspired by concerns about the transmission of pathogens through respiratory droplets in the context of public health emergencies.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HR7 appears to be supportive, primarily focusing on the health and safety of legislative employees. Proponents view the resolution as a necessary step to empower employees to advocate for their safety and that of their colleagues without the risk of penalty. However, opponents may question the necessity of such measures or their implications for workplace dynamics, though these sentiments are less documented in the available discussions.

Contention

While HR7 does not present major points of contention within the current narrative, it does raise discussions about the balance between individual freedoms and public health measures. Some may argue that while the intention is to foster a safe work environment, it could lead to social friction within the legislative chambers regarding adherence to health measures. Nonetheless, HR7 is primarily framed as a protective measure, aiming to safeguard employee wellbeing during health emergencies.