Requires, for certain elections, that notice to the public be given and records be kept relating to the remittance of portions of tax collections to specified retirement systems in accordance with law
Impact
The enactment of HB 1020 is intended to improve public awareness and engagement in the electoral process related to tax increases. By requiring that notifications include relevant information about the allocation of tax funds, the bill promotes accountability among governing authorities. Consequently, this change could lead to higher voter turnout and more informed voting on propositions that might impact tax rates and public services funded through these levies.
Summary
House Bill 1020 amends existing laws concerning certain election notifications in the state of Louisiana. The bill mandates that notices for elections affecting ad valorem taxation must include details regarding the remittance of portions of tax collections to state and statewide retirement systems. This requirement aims to enhance the transparency of financial implications tied to ballot propositions affecting taxes, ensuring that voters are well-informed about where their tax dollars are allocated, especially regarding public retirement funds.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1020 appears to be generally favorable, particularly among legislators who value transparency in government and public financial matters. Supporters argue that the bill provides essential information that empowers voters to make more informed decisions about tax-related propositions. However, there may be minimal opposition or concerns around the implementation of these requirements and how effectively they will be communicated to the public.
Contention
While there has been broad support for the transparency measures introduced by HB 1020, points of contention might arise in the practical aspects of implementing these notification requirements. There may be debates regarding the sufficiency of information provided in the notices and whether all voters truly understand the implications of tax collections remitted to retirement systems. Critics could argue that the bill does not go far enough in ensuring comprehensive communication efforts are made to reach all affected voters.
Provides for the duties of the sheriffs and other tax collectors and the legislative auditor relative to amount of tax collections to be remitted to certain public retirement systems (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)
Requires that notice of intent and proposition for ad valorem taxes levied for volunteer fire departments indicate that a portion of tax proceeds will be paid to retirement systems. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT LF See Note)
Requires forfeiture of retirement benefits by any public employee or elected official who is a member of a public retirement system and is convicted of certain state or federal felony acts associated with his office (EN +$43,597 FC SG EX)
Provides an exception to confidentiality provisions of public records law for requests made by specified entities for certain information in personnel records of certain public employees
Makes permanent certain requirements that state retirement systems direct portions of certain types of investments through La. broker-dealers (OR +$485,535 FC SG EX)