Louisiana House Bill HB88

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/17
• Refer: 3/23/17
• Refer: 4/10/17
• Report Pass: 4/20/17
• Engrossed: 5/1/17
• Refer: 5/2/17
• Report Pass: 5/30/17
• Enrolled: 6/2/17
• Chaptered: 6/12/17
• Passed: 6/12/17

Caption

Authorizes the St. John the Baptist Sheriff to name a law enforcement training facility in honor of retired St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Lloyd B. Johnson

Impact

If passed, HB 88 would introduce an exception to the existing regulations on naming public buildings, specifically within the jurisdiction of the St. John the Baptist Parish. By facilitating this exception, the bill allows municipalities to honor prominent local figures alive at the time of the naming, thus potentially paving the way for similar actions in other parishes should they choose. This stands to impact local governance by providing more flexibility in honoring community leaders who have made substantial contributions.

Summary

House Bill 88 is a legislative proposal aimed at allowing the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff to name a law enforcement training facility after a living individual, specifically Lloyd B. Johnson, who previously served as sheriff for over twenty years. Typically, Louisiana law prohibits public buildings from being named after living persons, which is a rule that this bill seeks to amend locally for this specific facility. By enacting this bill, the legislature recognizes the significant contributions of Sheriff Johnson to his community and allows for the honoring of individuals who still have an active role in society.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 88 appears to be positive, especially from supporters who argue that it is an appropriate recognition for a long-serving sheriff. The support reflects a broader appreciation of local leadership and its lasting impact on community safety and governance. However, the bill may also attract scrutiny from those concerned about establishing precedents that allow for exceptions to regulations, particularly if seen as favoritism.

Contention

While the bill has gained support, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of modifying naming regulations. Critics may argue that allowing exceptions could lead to an influx of requests to name public facilities after living individuals, complicating the standardization and objectivity of naming rights. Additionally, some legal and ethical considerations might arise concerning the perceived fairness of selecting individuals for these honors, which could lead to discussions on transparency and merit.