HB 680 updates Louisiana's workforce development system to align with federal requirements under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It establishes a unified statewide planning process, replaces fragmented local workforce boards with a coordinated system, and allows the state to seek federal waivers to reduce administrative costs. The bill directs more funding toward direct job training and employment services (rather than overhead) and requires Louisiana Works to prioritize measurable employment outcomes for workers and employers. This affects state agencies, local workforce boards, businesses seeking skilled workers, and job seekers needing training.
HB 633 modifies Louisiana's estimated income tax rules for individuals and corporations, primarily affecting taxpayers who make quarterly estimated payments. It introduces a new safe harbor to avoid penalties: if taxpayers pay at least 80% of their annualized tax (based on income earned in the first 3-11 months of the year), they won’t face penalties for underpayment. The bill also adjusts timelines for penalty calculations, extends deadlines for applying to adjust overpayments, and repeals an outdated penalty exception. These changes apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.
This Louisiana state resolution asks the U.S. Congress to provide $10 million in funding to remove four unsafe bridges on Highway 90 in St. Tammany Parish. The bridges, which have been closed since 2022 due to structural issues, currently block a vital route used for commerce, daily commuting, and hurricane evacuations. The request specifically seeks money from the 2027 federal budget to clear these structures, which is intended as a preliminary step toward rebuilding the highway. This measure does not directly allocate funds but serves as a formal request to the federal government to consider the funding in future appropriations.
This bill asks the Louisiana State Law Institute to study how to speed up the sale of tax-delinquent property that has been held for a long time. The study would focus on finding ways to sell this property to buyers who plan to fix it up and add value, rather than letting it sit idle. The Louisiana State Law Institute must complete its research and send recommendations to the state legislature by January 1, 2027. This request comes after recent changes to how tax liens are handled, which still allow some properties to remain unsold for extended periods. The bill does not change any laws itself but instead seeks expert advice on potential improvements to the current tax sale system.
HB 214 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not yet enacted) that would allow Louisiana property owners to qualify for an optional property tax exemption on blighted or derelict properties after rehabilitation. It requires the legislature to define terms like "blighted property" and establish rules for the exemption, including its duration and administration. The exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1, 2027, if approved by voters in November 2026. This change directly affects property owners who rehabilitate eligible properties and local governments that would administer the program.
HB 521 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's property tax system, allowing local taxing authorities (like parishes or municipalities) to adjust property tax rates to the maximum authorized rate from a prior reassessment without requiring new voter approval. The key mechanism permits these authorities to increase rates to the previous year's maximum level using a two-thirds vote of the governing body, after holding a public hearing with proper notice. This change would take effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all property tax collections starting that date. The bill does not change current tax rates but modifies the process for adjusting them, requiring transparency through public hearings while removing the need for separate voter referendums for these adjustments.
HB 660 increases the state-paid annual salary for assistant district attorneys in Louisiana to $50,500 starting July 1, 2026. It directly affects all assistant district attorneys whose salaries are funded by the state (not local parishes), including those in Orleans Parish. The bill specifies exact salary amounts on set dates (e.g., $50,000 effective 2021, $50,500 effective 2026) and requires separate state appropriations to fund these increases. This is a concrete salary adjustment with no new program or policy beyond the specified pay rates.
HB 175 creates a new instant lottery game in Louisiana, with all proceeds dedicated to veteran programs. It establishes the Veterans Game Board (comprising state agency leaders and veteran organization representatives) to manage the "Veterans Game Fund," which receives all revenue from this specific game. The board distributes one-time grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants like 501(c)(3) veteran service organizations, colleges, JROTC programs, or veterans courts that improve veterans' lives. Unused funds are returned to the state treasury annually. This bill directly affects Louisiana veterans by channeling new lottery revenue into targeted support programs.
SB 318 requires Louisiana's Department of Revenue to publish an annual tax exemption budget online, including each exemption's legal reference and purpose. It mandates organizing exemptions into specific categories (like business incentives or property tax breaks) and removes outdated reporting rules about tax incentives. The bill repeals several existing sections of tax law related to exemption reporting. This change directly affects the Department of Revenue's reporting process and provides clearer public access to tax exemption details for Louisiana taxpayers and stakeholders.
This bill creates a sales and use tax exemption for aircraft repair services in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It directly affects businesses that perform repairs, modifications, overhauls, or upgrades on aircraft registered outside of Louisiana. The exemption only applies when repairs are done at specific airports meeting strict infrastructure requirements, including a runway at least 10,700 feet long, 200 feet wide, and with concrete at least 17 inches thick. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply only to local taxes levied by Calcasieu Parish authorities.
