Budget & Taxes (Sales Tax)

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mandates organizing exemptions into specific categories (like business incentives or property tax breaks) and removes outdated reporting rules about tax incentives.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.

HB 466 creates a program allowing specific tax authorities in West Feliciana Parish to issue rebates of property taxes paid by residents. Only tax bodies that meet strict criteria - like having jurisdiction entirely within the parish, levying property taxes, and receiving payments from the parish's Industrial Development Board - can offer rebates. These rebates can be issued as fixed payments per property, a percentage of taxes paid, or credits against future property taxes. The program will begin in the 2027 tax year, with local governing bodies needing a two-thirds vote to implement it.

HB 795 limits fees charged to Orleans Parish taxing authorities for tax collection services to no more than 5% of the total taxes collected. It directly affects local governments in Orleans Parish (like New Orleans) that collect sales taxes through agreements with other taxing entities. The bill amends Louisiana law to require that any written agreement between these authorities for joint tax collection cannot charge fees exceeding this 5% cap on collected taxes. This is a straightforward fee limitation with no new tax or spending provisions.

HB 465 creates the Violet Economic Development District in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, specifically targeting the Violet area for coordinated economic growth. The district, governed by a 9-member board including local officials and community representatives, will use tax revenue from future property value growth (via state sales tax increment financing) to fund infrastructure, housing, workforce development, and community priorities. It directly affects residents and businesses within the defined boundaries, aligning with opportunities related to the Louisiana International Terminal. The bill establishes clear governance rules and transparency requirements for how funds are reinvested locally.