The 2012 Session of the Louisiana Legislature opened March 12 and must end by June 4. The beginning of the Session focused on the Governor's K12 Education Package with the lead items finally passing the House and Senate this week after many hours of debate and many amendments considered. In the end, HB 974 Carter (teacher tenure) passed the Senate 23-16 and the House 60-43, while HB 976 Carter (charter/voucher) passed the Senate 24-15 and the House 60-43. These bills now go to the Governor for his signature. Thanks to all the business voices who added their grassroots support along the way!
With two months left in the Session, there are many other bills and matters to attend to, with 1500 bills originally filed and another 400 added this week by the late file deadline. Thus far, the Northshore Legislative Alliance (NLA) is tracking about 40 of particular interest to the local business community.
Other issues to be tackled this Session include: economic incentives, trade, retirement reforms, tax policy, workers compensation, legal, labor, healthcare, fiscal and of course the annual budget which again is facing a deficit situation.
The weekly Legislative Updates will recap bills of high interest that are moving, and forecast legislative action for the week ahead. More information can be found on the state website at www.legis.state.la.us
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Highlights of Bills passed in Committee:SB 581 Appel - La. Early Childhood Education Act
SB 617 Donahue - St. Tammany Parish Development Dist. Board
Highlights of Bills passed on the Floor:HB 292 Pugh - School Board Member Term Limits, Elections
HB 729 Robideaux - Corporate Tax Apportionment Program
HB 937 Robideaux - Corporate Headquarters Relocation Program
HB 958 Robideaux - Competitive Projects Payroll Incentive Program
HB 974 Carter - Teacher Pay-for-Performance and Evaluations
HB 976 Carter - Scholarships for Educational Excellence Prog.
THE WEEK AHEAD -- COMMITTEE SCHEDULE
(No NLA tracked bills posted yet)
Some committees do not post their agenda until the day before a hearing, and bills posted are subject to change with short notice
MAJOR BILLS on SENATE FLOORSenate bills are taken up on a rolling basis of those awaiting final passage, with the exact day usually not known in advance.SB 617 Donahue - St. Tammany Parish Development Dist. Board Changes the composition of the board of commissioners of the St. Tammany Parish Development District.
MAJOR BILLS on HOUSE FLOOR(No NLA tracked bill expected this week)As the 2012 Session continues the Northshore Legislative Alliance may release special updates and alerts, working through its grassroots membership and Legislative Advocate Dino Paternostro of LegisLink, LLC. The business community can monitor Capitol activities on the state website at www.legis.state.la.us.
