Budget & Taxes (Economic Development)

introduced · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HR 408: ECONOMIC DEVELOP/DEPT: Directs Louisiana Economic Development to report to the Louisiana Legislature relative to expenditures and funds

This resolution directs the Louisiana Economic Development agency to submit a detailed report to the state House of Representatives by January 1, 2027. The report must outline all available funds and expenditures for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, explain which projects each fund can support, and clarify if multiple funds can be combined for the same initiatives. Additionally, the agency must include recommendations for new programs aimed at addressing food insecurity zones and estimate the potential economic impact of these efforts. This measure is designed to increase legislative transparency regarding how state resources are allocated for economic growth and development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates reporting on expenditures and funds, enhancing fiscal transparency and accountability for state budget management.85% confidence

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failed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HR 357: ECONOMIC DEVELOP/DEPT: Urges and requests Louisiana Economic Development to consider certain eligibility requirements for companies applying for the High Impact Jobs Program

This resolution asks the Louisiana Economic Development agency to consider adding a rule that would disqualify companies from state job incentives if 20% or more of their employees qualify for SNAP benefits. The bill references a proposed law that would have implemented this restriction, noting that over one million Louisianans currently meet the poverty criteria for such assistance. However, the resolution itself is non-binding and was rejected by the House of Representatives, meaning it does not change any existing laws or program requirements. It serves as a formal request to agency leadership rather than a new policy mandate.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill seeks to restrict economic development incentives for low-income workers, effectively limiting government support for job creation in vulnerable sectors.75% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill proposes disqualifying companies from job incentives if many employees receive SNAP, effectively restricting hiring incentives for low-wage workers.85% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1178: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Provides relative to the Major Events Incentive Program (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill amends Louisiana state law to update the list of events eligible for the Major Events Incentive Program. Specifically, it adds the French Quarter Festival and the Fried Chicken Festival to the definition of a qualified major event. By including these festivals, organizers may become eligible for financial incentives provided through the state's economic development fund. The legislation was referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further review.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands eligibility for the Major Events Incentive Program, directing state funds to support economic development and local festivals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Tax Incentives Tags Economic Development

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1127: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Adds requirements for cooperative endeavor agreements between Louisiana Economic Development and nongovernmental entities

This bill requires nongovernmental partners working with Louisiana Economic Development to spend at least 35% of their funding on goods made within the state. It applies to new cooperative agreements formed after August 1, 2026, while excluding older programs established before that date. Partners must keep records proving compliance and provide them to the department when asked. The law does not affect existing economic development programs created before August 15, 2010.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens state economic development by requiring 35% of funding be spent on in-state goods, promoting local business and fiscal responsibility.75% confidence

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 618: ECONOMIC DEVELOP/DEPT: Increases certain fees assessed by Louisiana Economic Development (EN +$500,000 SG RV See Note)

HB 618 increases maximum fees charged by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) for various services, directly affecting businesses applying for economic incentives or tax credits. Key changes include raising the maximum application fee from $15,000 to $20,000, increasing annual certification fees from $250 to $350, and setting new caps for verification reports. The bill also authorizes automatic fee adjustments every two years starting in 2029 based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. Additionally, it allows LED to waive or reduce fees for small businesses facing financial hardship, with all fees required to fund LED program administration. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases LED service fees (e.g., $15k→$20k application fee), generating additional state revenue for economic development programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Tags Economic Development

signed · Louisiana · House May 27, 2026

HB 247: DISTRICTS/ECONOMIC DEVEL: Creates the Allen Parish Economic Development District and abolishes the Allen Parish Tourist Commission

HB 247 creates the Allen Parish Economic Development District to replace the Allen Parish Tourist Commission, directly affecting all residents and businesses in Allen Parish. The district, governed by a five-member board including chamber presidents and parish officials, will focus on economic development, job creation, and infrastructure improvements across the entire parish. A key provision allows the district to levy a 3% hotel occupancy tax on room rentals, collected in addition to existing city taxes, with funds dedicated exclusively to district projects. The bill abolishes the Tourist Commission and transfers its assets, while establishing the new district as a political subdivision authorized to contract, acquire property, and develop public improvements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates 3% hotel tax to fund economic development district, directly advancing fiscal management through new revenue for public programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Tags Economic Development

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 829: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Provides for the Louisiana Minority Business Development Fund (OR +$25,000,000 GF See Note)

HB 829 creates the Louisiana Minority Business Development Fund to provide low-interest loans to qualifying minority-owned small businesses. It directly affects businesses majority-owned by African American, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Native American, or women-owned entities (with ≤50 employees, ≤$5M annual revenue, and ≥12 months in operation). The fund operates as a revolving loan program with fixed interest rates (3-5%) and loan limits up to $500,000, prioritizing flexible collateral and technical assistance. Repayments, state appropriations, and grants replenish the fund, ensuring long-term capital access without annual budget reversion.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded revolving loan program for minority businesses, directly allocating public funds to support economic development through government spending.90% confidence

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 670: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Provides relative to wood pellet manufacturing (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

HB 670 designates wood pellet manufacturing as a priority industry in Louisiana, targeting manufacturers that produce compressed biomass pellets from forestry residues for export or domestic use. The bill requires Louisiana Economic Development to create job incentives, workforce training programs, and prioritize wood pellet cargo at state ports while streamlining permitting for facilities. It directly affects wood pellet manufacturers, rural communities seeking new jobs, and the state's forestry sector by aiming to boost economic growth through international biomass exports. The law establishes clear regulatory pathways to support this industry without compromising environmental safeguards, as outlined in sections §955.1 and §955.2 of the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates job incentives and workforce training programs, constituting fiscal support via tax incentives or state funding for economic development, aligning with budget/tax support indicators.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyDesignates wood pellet manufacturing (biomass renewable energy) as priority industry, mandates job incentives and streamlined permits for renewable energy infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentWorkforce training programs directly support employment development in targeted manufacturing sector, aligning with employment standards focus.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Workforce Development Tags Economic Development

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 465: DISTRICTS/TAXING: Creates the Violet Economic Development District in St. Bernard Parish

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax increment financing district to fund infrastructure, housing, and workforce development using future property tax growth, directly advancing fiscal management and targeted budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly funds housing development via tax increment financing for the Violet Economic Development District, directly advancing housing priorities.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly funds workforce development as a priority, directly advancing employment skills and economic opportunities within the district.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Tax Incentives Property Development Workforce Development Tags Economic Development

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