Ports and local officials oppose bill clarifying legislator access to executive sessions
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Summary
Representative Green’s bill to clarify that legislators may attend private or executive sessions of entities created by the legislature drew opposition from ports and other political subdivisions; the committee voted the measure down 7–8.
Representative Green presented House Bill 2-06 to clarify that members of the legislature may attend meetings — including private or executive sessions — of entities created by statute and operating under the authority of state boards, commissions or agencies. The author said the bill answers lingering uncertainty about which entities fall under existing statute.
The Ports Association of Louisiana and several parish officials strongly opposed the amendment as drafted, arguing that ports and many local taxing bodies are political subdivisions that should not be treated as state boards subject to routine legislative attendance in executive sessions. Jennifer Marusak, executive director of the Ports Association, said opening executive sessions more broadly would deter private businesses from negotiating sensitive matters and could expose strategic information. "If there's a possibility 144 legislators could be sitting in that meeting, why would any company do business in Louisiana?" she told the committee.
Proponents said the bill simply clarifies current law and preserves members’ existing oversight rights; opponents said the amendment expands scope and could undermine confidentiality and competitive negotiations. The committee voted on the motion to report HB 2-06 favorable as amended; roll‑call recorded 7 yeas and 8 nays, and the motion failed.
