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A current proposal would give the Louisiana House of Representatives statutory authority to set its own members’ office expense allowances by rule. A House rule does not require Senate approval and is not subject to the governor’s veto.
The Senate’s recent overwhelming vote to criminalize the release of certain information about draft legislation will have a chilling effect on public employees’ willingness to discuss public policy issues.
The purpose of “sunshine laws” is to promote public access to government. These laws attempt to balance the public interest with the individual’s right to privacy. Also weighed against the public interest is the recognition that in some instances, limits on public access may be needed.