(Constitutional Amendment) Increases the motor vehicle license tax on private automobiles and establishes the Transportation and Infrastructure Growth of Economy through Roads (TIGER) Fund (OR +$15,730,670 SD RV See Note)
Impact
If enacted, the bill is anticipated to significantly enhance the financing options available for crucial transportation infrastructure projects. By channeling dedicated resources into the TIGER Fund, the state government aims to expedite the development and completion of various highway projects that are essential for improving transportation connections, enhancing safety, and fostering economic growth across Louisiana. The amendment requires that construction on these targeted projects begin or be completed no later than January 1, 2017, thereby setting aggressive timelines for project initiation.
Summary
House Bill 483 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the minimum annual license tax on private automobiles from $10 to $30 while establishing the Transportation and Infrastructure Growth of Economy through Roads (TIGER) Fund. This fund will be dedicated exclusively to funding specific highway projects across the state, with a directive that 66% of the tax revenues collected will be allocated towards this new fund. The remaining 34% will continue to support the existing Transportation Trust Fund. The bill outlines the types of highway projects that will qualify for funding and emphasizes a structured approach to investment and expenditure from the TIGER Fund, which will be overseen by the state treasurer.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 483 is somewhat mixed. Supporters argue that increasing the motor vehicle tax is a necessary step towards addressing the state's infrastructural deficits and that a dedicated fund like the TIGER Fund is beneficial for long-term planning and project completion. Conversely, critics might view this tax increase as an added financial burden on residents, expressing concerns that higher taxes could be detrimental to low-income families and that priority should be given to more sustainable funding mechanisms.
Contention
A notable point of contention revolves around the ramifications of imposing higher taxes on motor vehicles for private use. While proponents of the bill highlight the necessity of upgrading infrastructure to cope with growing population demands and traffic needs, opponents argue that it represents an undue financial strain on vehicle owners, particularly those with lower incomes. Additionally, there is a debate on whether such measures are enough to solve deeper systemic issues related to transportation funding. Opponents may also contest the effectiveness of the TIGER Fund in delivering real and timely physical improvements to the roadways.
Increases the minimum annual registration or license tax on private passenger vehicles and trucks, tandem trucks, truck-tractors, semitrailers, and trailers and dedicates the revenue to the TIGER Fund (OR +$65,761,927 SD RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Removes the prohibition related to the imposition of an additional tax or license on gas, authorizes the levy of a tax, fee, permit, or license on natural gas transported in Louisiana, and creates the Fair Share Fund (OR INCREASE SD RV See Note)
Constitutional amendment to repeal certain constitutionally dedicated and protected allocations and funds. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires a certain portion of the monies in the Transportation Trust Fund to be used on certain projects (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Establishes the State Cybersecurity and Information Technology Infrastructure Fund and dedicates revenues into the fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)
Authorizes an automobile expense allowance for the assessors in East Carroll, Madison, Ouachita, Richland and West Carroll parishes (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)