Requests the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to refrain from hosting games during Easter weekend
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 31 is a nonbinding legislative request urging the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) to avoid scheduling games during Easter weekend. The resolution states that many Louisiana families observe Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday, and argues that student athletes and their families should not have to choose between athletic events and religious observance. It frames the request as a matter of respecting family time and the end of the Lenten season.
Because it is a concurrent resolution, HCR31 does not change statutory law or create enforceable legal requirements. Instead, it expresses the Legislature’s position and asks the LHSAA, a private athletic governing body, to adjust its scheduling practices voluntarily. The practical effect would be on high school sports calendars if the LHSAA chose to comply, potentially reducing or eliminating games scheduled over Easter weekend.
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed the House 89-0 and the Senate 36-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The voting history suggests the measure was viewed as a straightforward accommodation for religious observance and family time rather than a controversial policy change.
No committee debate or recorded opposition is provided, and the resolution itself does not identify any specific critics. The main point of contention implicit in the measure is the balance between athletic scheduling and religious observance, but the text presents that balance as already resolved in favor of avoiding Easter weekend games. Any practical disagreement would likely involve LHSAA scheduling flexibility, competitive fairness, or the impact on postseason timing, though those concerns are not reflected in the available record.
Impact
HCR31 does not amend the Louisiana Revised Statutes or impose legal duties on schools, athletes, or the LHSAA. Its impact is advisory and political: it formally urges the LHSAA to refrain from scheduling high school athletic contests during Easter weekend, which could influence future sports calendars if the association adopts the request. The resolution primarily affects high school athletics, student athletes, families observing Easter, and the LHSAA as the scheduling authority.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around HCR31 is strongly supportive and respectful of religious observance. The unanimous House and Senate votes indicate broad bipartisan agreement, with the resolution likely seen as a low-conflict gesture toward families celebrating Easter. The available record shows no recorded dissent or committee controversy.
Contention
The only notable tension in the resolution is between maintaining high school athletic schedules and accommodating Easter weekend observance. Supporters emphasize family, faith, and the importance of giving student athletes uninterrupted time with loved ones. Any potential opposition would likely come from those concerned about scheduling constraints, tournament logistics, or competitive fairness, but no such objections appear in the provided legislative history.
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