House Bill No. HLS 25RS-938 introduces substantial reforms to the official journal of the state of Louisiana by establishing a website, maintained by the commissioner of administration, as the new official journal, thereby eliminating the previous requirement for publication in a designated newspaper. The bill amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 43:81 and R.S. 49:1301 through 1308, while repealing R.S. 42:19(A)(2)(c) and R.S. 43:81.1 through 90. The new provisions mandate that the commissioner publish public notices, advertisements, and legislative materials on this website, ensuring that all laws and joint resolutions are accessible online within a specified timeframe.

In addition to the establishment of the website, the bill expands the requirements for posting information related to boards and commissions, including meeting notices, minutes, and financial data. It also requires state entities to provide detailed information about permits and licenses, including application texts and anticipated timelines for reviews. Furthermore, the bill mandates that audio and video recordings of meetings be made available on the website. The Louisiana State Law Institute is tasked with redesignating certain provisions of existing law to align with these changes, while the commissioner of administration is responsible for promulgating rules and fees related to the publication of notices concerning changes in retirement systems for public employees. Overall, this legislation aims to modernize public information dissemination and enhance transparency and accessibility for citizens.

Statutes affected:
HB526 Original: 42:19(A)(2)
HB526 Engrossed: 42:19(A)(2)
HB526 Reengrossed: 42:19(A)(2)