Louisiana House Bill HB246

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Refer: 4/27/10
• Refer: 4/28/10
• Engrossed: 5/12/10
• Refer: 5/13/10
• Report Pass: 6/7/10
• Enrolled: 6/14/10
• Chaptered: 7/8/10
• Passed: 7/8/10

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Exempts property owned by certain disabled veterans and spouses from ad valorem property tax (EN -$2,000,000 LF RV See Note)

Impact

If approved, this amendment would directly impact property tax laws within Louisiana by reducing the tax liabilities for a specific demographic—disabled veterans and their spouses. The bill also ensures that local taxing authorities cannot adjust their millage rates or reappraise properties based on the revenue lost from this exemption, thereby protecting other taxpayers from potential tax increases that might occur due to decreasing revenues. The decision for the exemption's application is placed in the hands of local governing authorities, requiring a majority approval from voters in any given parish.

Summary

House Bill 246 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Louisiana that aims to exempt certain properties owned by disabled veterans from ad valorem property taxes. Specifically, it targets veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability rating, granting an exemption on the next $7,500 of property valuation. Furthermore, the bill allows for the surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran to continue receiving the exemption, ensuring they are not financially burdened after the veteran's passing.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 246 generally leans positive, particularly among veteran advocacy groups and lawmakers wishing to extend support to those who have served in the military. However, there may be concerns from local government bodies and taxpayers about the potential fiscal impacts of tax exemptions, such as reduced revenue for public services. Overall, the bill seems well-received with a focus on honoring veteran contributions while addressing the financial implications carefully.

Contention

Despite the supportive sentiment, there could be notable points of contention regarding the potential strain on local budgets due to the exemption. Critics may argue that while the bill aids veterans, it could inadvertently lead to budget shortfalls in parishes that rely heavily on property tax revenues to fund essential services. The requirement for a local election to establish the exemption may also cause divisions among voters, as some may feel that such measures should not necessitate local voting, while others believe in grassroots control over tax-related decisions.