Rep Landry's House Bill 526 establishes official state journal to enhance transparency

A significant step towards enhancing government transparency was taken during the Senate and Governmental Affairs meeting on May 14, 2025, as lawmakers moved to advance House Bill 526. This bill, introduced by Representative Landry, aims to establish a state-maintained website as the official journal of Louisiana, ensuring that essential information about boards and commissions is readily accessible to the public.

During the meeting, Rep. Landry emphasized that the bill is designed to strengthen transparency while also saving taxpayer money in the long run. He noted that the current method of publishing government notices does not meet federal ADA standards for accessibility, which the new website will address. The deadline for implementing this change is set for April 2026, ensuring compliance with federal mandates for public information dissemination.

The committee discussed several amendments to the bill, with a focus on clarifying language and addressing concerns from the Secretary of State's office. Notably, an amendment was adopted to ensure that the transmission of legislative acts and resolutions to the official journal meets established time limits, thereby preventing any potential violations of publication obligations.

Senator Reese highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust and transparency, proposing amendments that would allow for the publication of notices in both the official website and local newspapers. This dual approach aims to ensure that all citizens have access to government information, regardless of their internet access.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous decision to report the bill favorably, marking a pivotal moment in Louisiana's efforts to modernize its government communication practices. As the state moves forward with these changes, the commitment to transparency and accessibility remains a top priority for lawmakers.