Louisiana House Bill HB555

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13

Caption

Requires Ouachita Parish to cease collecting a sales tax in a municipality if the municipality begins levying an equivalent tax (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

Impact

If enacted, HB 555 will impact the financial interaction between Ouachita Parish and its associated municipalities. In instances where a municipality adopts a sales and use tax, the parish would be compelled to discontinue its own collection efforts for an equivalent tax. This could enhance local autonomy over tax revenues, allowing municipalities to address fiscal needs more directly without interference from the county's tax policies, assuming they gain voter support for such measures.

Summary

House Bill 555 mandates that the governing authority of Ouachita Parish must cease levying and collecting a sales and use tax within any municipality that decides to impose an equivalent tax. The bill stipulates that the municipal tax must mirror the parish tax in terms of rate, purpose, and duration and requires voter approval for the municipality to levy such a tax. This legislation is designed to simplify the tax structure within municipalities while preventing duplicative taxation by the parish.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 555 appears to lean towards strengthening local governance by granting municipalities the ability to manage their taxation independently. Supporters likely view the bill as a positive move towards local control and financial self-sufficiency. However, an undercurrent of contention may exist concerning the implications for parish revenues and the potential for conflict over tax authority.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from concerns about the potential for reduced revenue for Ouachita Parish if municipalities assert their taxing powers under this bill. There may also be apprehension regarding fairness in taxation rates across the parish, especially if some municipalities choose to implement or not implement the equivalent taxes. The balance of power and authority between parish and municipal governments could foster debates on local versus centralized control over financial matters.