Louisiana House Bill HB973

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/15/10
• Engrossed: 4/28/10
• Refer: 4/29/10
• Report Pass: 6/7/10
• Enrolled: 6/18/10
• Chaptered: 6/25/10
• Passed: 6/25/10

Caption

Provides relative to Sustainable Energy Financing Districts

Impact

The bill's enactment would provide significant financial avenues for property owners looking to enhance energy efficiency or switch to renewable energy sources. By creating a structured loan program for these improvements, it seeks to facilitate investments in sustainable practices at the local level. The assessment and collection of payments on these loans will align with ad valorem tax collection methods, which may streamline the repayment process. Moreover, it is designed to incentivize property renovations that could lead to energy savings and contribute to broader environmental goals.

Summary

House Bill 973 aims to amend and reenact existing laws concerning Sustainable Energy Financing Districts in Louisiana. The bill introduces provisions for financing projects related to energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements for properties within designated districts. It establishes a framework for property owners to obtain loans for such improvements, ensuring that these loans are tied to the property's assessed value. The legislation outlines the criteria, terms, and conditions under which property owners may request financing, including required equity and evaluations prior to loan approval.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 973 appears to be positive among advocates for sustainable energy practices. Proponents argue that it empowers property owners and promotes environmental responsibility by easing financial burdens related to energy improvements. However, there may be concerns raised regarding the implications for property owners in terms of securing loans amid existing mortgages and the responsibilities tied to loan repayment. The focus on structured processes is regarded as beneficial to ensure transparency and accountability, although there may be apprehension regarding potential default risks and foreclosure risks if assessments are not paid.

Contention

Notable points of contention primarily revolve around the complexities of securing loans when existing mortgages are in place. The requirement for a mortgage lender's consent on loans exceeding $100,000 could lead to conflicts or delays, which some stakeholders may view as restrictive. Critics might argue that the financing structure could disadvantage lower-income property owners who might have difficulty meeting loan eligibility criteria. Subsequent discussions within legislative circles could reveal divided opinions on how best to balance accessibility with ensuring that borrowers are capable of fulfilling their loan obligations.