HB 75 modifies Louisiana's gaming regulations to set new limits on how casinos can deduct promotional play (free gaming credits or comps) from their taxable revenue. It establishes two limits: a fixed annual cap of $5 million for promotional play deductions, or a rising percentage of taxable revenue (4% starting 2027, 7% in 2028, 10% after 2029), whichever is greater. This directly affects licensed casino operators in Louisiana by restricting how much they can offset their taxable income through promotional activities. The bill updates definitions in Sections 27:44 and 27:205 to implement these deduction rules, effective from 2027 onward.
This bill creates the Faubourg Nouveau Marigny Improvement District in New Orleans, establishing a new local organization to manage neighborhood improvements in that specific area. The district will be governed by a five-person board consisting of representatives from the existing neighborhood association and three residents elected by district voters, who will oversee beautification projects, infrastructure upgrades, and community events. Funding for these initiatives will come from a property fee collected from landowners within the district, with amounts capped at $100 per year for most residential and commercial parcels, $500 for unimproved land, and subject to voter approval before collection begins. The district operates as a political subdivision of the state with powers to enter contracts, purchase property, and collaborate with city agencies, while its funds must be used exclusively for district benefits and remain subject to state audit requirements.
This resolution requested that the Louisiana Department of Health provide more detailed breakdowns of Medicaid spending in its monthly budget reports, specifically asking for separate data on managed care payments, pharmacy rebates, and interagency transfers. The bill aimed to increase transparency for lawmakers and auditors by requiring the department to disaggregate large, currently combined financial categories without needing new data collection or funding. Although the measure sought to enhance oversight of the state's largest budget program, it was rejected by the House of Representatives with a vote of 7 to 89.
This bill allows the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau to collect an additional hotel occupancy tax from guests staying at hotels, motels, and overnight camping facilities in Caddo and Bossier parishes. The tax requires voter approval through a statewide election, where a majority of voters must vote in favor of both the initial tax and any future renewal. The authority to collect the tax would last for twelve years after voter approval, with the option to renew for another twelve-year period if approved by voters again. This change directly affects hotel and camping businesses operating in the area and the tourists who stay at these facilities.
SB 194 requires Louisiana state agencies to verify the U.S. citizenship or "satisfactory immigration status" of applicants for Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits like housing or food assistance. If verification fails after a single reasonable opportunity period, the state must refer the applicant's information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and terminate benefits. The bill specifies that "satisfactory immigration status" includes lawful permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and those under Compact of Free Association agreements. Agencies must also provide monthly reports to the Secretary of State for voter list maintenance and submit annual reports to legislators on enforcement actions. This bill directly affects individuals applying for federal or state public benefits who cannot prove citizenship or qualifying immigration status.
SB 286 amends Louisiana law governing New Orleans' Downtown Development District, removing the 50-year expiration on its special property tax to allow indefinite continuation. The bill updates the district's governance by specifying how its 11-member board of commissioners is appointed - requiring nominations from business groups, city council members, and the mayor - and sets new 5-year terms for all members. It also confirms the district as a political subdivision and ensures tax proceeds are paid into a separate account for district use. These changes directly affect property owners within the district who pay the tax and the board members who manage district funds.
HB 637 adjusts oilfield site restoration fees for certain low-production wells in Louisiana. It sets reduced fees at 50% for oil from incapable wells, 25% for oil from stripper wells, 40% for gas from low-pressure wells, and 17.5% for gas from incapable gas wells - proportionally aligning with existing reduced severance tax rates. The bill directly affects oil and gas producers operating these specific well types, as defined under Louisiana law (R.S. 47:633). The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 217 allows Louisiana parishes to optionally offer property tax exemptions for blighted or derelict properties that have been rehabilitated. If a parish adopts this exemption, it would provide up to 75% tax relief on residential properties for up to 20 years, or up to 25% relief on adjacent unimproved land for up to 10 years, subject to specific rehabilitation standards. Parishes must establish application processes, approval criteria, and revocation rules for property owners who hold title to qualifying rehabilitated properties. The exemption applies only to properties meeting the bill's definitions of "blighted" (court-declared public nuisance) or "derelict" (structurally unsafe, fire hazards, or dangerous conditions). The policy would take effect for tax years starting January 1, 2027, pending a constitutional amendment approval.
HB 417 increases the maximum balance of Louisiana's Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Fund from a fixed $6.8 million to an amount adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting January 1, 2027. This change affects how the state manages funds generated from hazardous waste cleanup penalties, settlements, and fees collected under environmental laws. The bill requires the state treasurer to redirect excess funds above the new, inflation-adjusted cap into the Environmental Trust Fund, rather than the previous fixed limit. The adjustment mechanism ensures the fund's capacity grows with inflation, avoiding future budget constraints from rising costs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 377 sets pay ranges for two state civil service positions: the state examiner and deputy state examiner overseeing municipal fire and police personnel systems. It specifies that the state examiner’s position must align with the pay range of the deputy director of state civil service, while the deputy state examiner’s role must be assigned to a pay range two levels below that position. Both positions require specific experience in civil service administration and will receive travel/living expense reimbursement when traveling for work. The bill amends constitutional and statutory provisions to clarify these compensation structures without creating new policies or affecting broader public services.
