Wednesday, May 30, 2012

2011 Legislative Session
2011 Regular Legislative Session Final Tracking Chart  7.11.2011
MEMBERS: log in to view the final actions of bills that the LSMS monitored throughout the 2011 Regular Legislative Session.
 
Gov. Jindal Vetos SB 207  7.1.2011
Senate Bill 207 by Sen. Mount sought to establish the Louisiana Medicaid Coordinated Care Program Transparency Act. The bill passed the legislature unanimously, but again the governor vetoed the bill, citing that the legislative oversight and reporting requirements were unnecessary. Physicians, hospitals and other health care providers supported this bill since it required detailed reporting from CCNs and DHH in order to ensure the program met its goals of improved quality of care, health outcomes and access to Medicaid services. The LSMS is disappointed that Gov. Jindal vetoed SB 207. The bill would have furthered good faith efforts at better reporting of health care quality and outcomes data as well as transparency in Louisiana’s health care system.
 
Budget Passes, Health Care Cuts Restored  6.24.2011
After many heated debates, lawmakers found the financial means to restore all of the health care cuts to HB1. The state's budget sailed through both chambers in the final days of the session, and now awaits Gov. Jindal's signature. That's not to say that the final week of session lacked a theatrical ending. In a surprise tactical move by Rep. Ritchie, the four cent tobacco tax reappeared as an amendment to Senate Bill 53 by Sen. Alario. SB 53 is a constitutional amendment that provides that once the balance in the Millennium Trust Fund reaches $1.38 billion, 100% of the annual tobacco tax settlement proceeds shall be dedicated to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) college scholarships and now the tobacco tax renewal proceeds will be dedicated to the Health Excellence Fund. Sen. Alario sent SB 53 with the amendment to the joint conference committee to ensure the proper language would appear on the ballot. The move protects the tax from gubernatorial veto since constitutional amendments require a statewide vote of the people and will now appear on the fall ballot. Ultimately, the people will decide if the tax will stand.

On the last day of session after hours of heated debate, DHH Secretary Bruce Greenstein was confirmed by the Senate along with several other of Gov. Jindal's appointees.

LSMS... Advocating on Your Behalf

By Phone: The Public Update Legislative Services (PULS) Line: Get the latest information about pending legislation by calling 225.342.2456 or 800.256.3793. The PULS Line operates from 8:30 am to adjournment each day the Legislature is in session.
 
On the Internet: Access the Louisiana State Legislature's Web site. Once the site opens, choose Committees (top menu bar in red) to view the dates, times and agendas for upcoming committee meetings. Also, on the Louisiana State Legislature's homepage scroll down to the section, Today at the Louisiana Capitol, and click on the TV icon (alt) to view the LIVE House and Senate broadcasts. If there is no TV icon next to a meeting in progress, that meeting is not being broadcast. FOR MAC USERS: You will need to download a plug-in to view these meetings. Download the plug-in here.

Capitol Contacts

  • House: Phone 225.342.6945 | Fax 225.342.8336 | PO Box 94062, Baton Rouge LA 70804
  • Senate: Phone 225.342.2040 | Fax 225.342.0617 | PO Box 94183, Baton Rouge LA 70804
  • Governor: Phone 225.342.7015 | Fax 225.342.7099 | PO Box 94004, Baton Rouge LA 70804

Web Resources

State Legislative Actions - Emergency Rules

To view the latest state Emergency Rules, visit http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/emr/emr.htm