In a notable rebuke to Governor Jeff Landry, the Louisiana Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee narrowly voted 4–3 to reject House Bill 603, which sought to expand the governor’s authority over appointments to 32 state licensing boards and commissions. These boards oversee a wide array of professions, including healthcare providers such as nurses, dentists, and physical therapists, as well as accountants, plumbers, and engineers.
Under the current system, the governor appoints board members from lists of nominees provided by professional trade associations and industry leaders. The proposed legislation, authored by Rep. Dixon McMakin (R-Baton Rouge), aimed to allow the governor to appoint members directly, bypassing these nomination lists. McMakin argued that the existing process permits industries to select their own regulators, potentially undermining consumer protection.
Despite support from some lawmakers, including Sen. Greg Miller (R-Norco), who expressed concerns about industry self-regulation, the bill faced bipartisan opposition. Sen. Blake Miguez (R-New Iberia) questioned whether the bill would strip industries of their voice in the appointment process, making it “purely political.” Sen. Gary Carter (D-New Orleans) echoed these concerns, stating, “This kind of gives even more power to an already powerful executive branch.” Sen. Larry Selders (D-Baton Rouge) also expressed apprehension, noting that recent expansions of gubernatorial power made further consolidation unwarranted.
This rejection comes in the context of recent legislative changes that have already increased the governor’s influence over state boards. In 2024, lawmakers granted Landry the authority to appoint chairs of 150 state boards and commissions directly, including the 32 boards targeted in HB 603. Additionally, changes to the Louisiana Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority and the Louisiana Board of Ethics have expanded gubernatorial appointment powers.
While HB 603’s failure marks a setback for Governor Landry’s efforts to consolidate executive authority, Rep. McMakin indicated that the proposal could be revisited before the legislative session concludes on June 12.