House approves bill to abolish inactive state boards and commissions
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Summary
The Louisiana House passed a government 'cleanup' bill that abolishes a first group of inactive boards and commissions identified by the legislative auditor and the governor's office; supporters called it routine housekeeping and the final vote was 95–2.
The Louisiana House on Wednesday approved House Bill 861, a measure the sponsor described as a government “cleanup” to abolish numerous state boards, commissions and similar entities that officials say are no longer active.
Representative Mike Johnson, the sponsor, told the chamber the legislation removes boards flagged by the legislative auditor and the governor’s office that are not meeting or submitting minutes. “This is a government cleanup bill,” he said, urging colleagues to permit the state to eliminate obsolete entities and streamline oversight.
Johnson said the proposal is the first group of removals and that additional legislation will follow to handle other inactive entities. Lawmakers adopted three technical amendments offered by staff before Johnson moved for final passage.
After the clerk opened the machines, the House recorded 95 yeas and 2 nays and the bill was finally passed. Johnson then moved to adopt the bill’s title and laid a motion to reconsider on the table, a routine step following final passage.
Why it matters: Sponsors said HB 861 reduces administrative overhead and clarifies which bodies retain statutory authority. Opponents did not press extended debate on the floor after technical amendments were adopted, and the measure drew bipartisan support in the vote.
What’s next: With final passage on the House floor, the bill will follow the regular legislative process toward enrollment and transmittal as required for enactment.
