HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Regular Session, 2013 HOUSE BILL NO. 571 BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBIDEAUX Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana. TAX/TAX REBATES: Provides relative to rebates and rebate programs AN ACT1 To amend and reenact R.S. 51:1791, 2453(1), (2)(a), (3), (4), (5)(introductory paragraph),2 2454(A), (B)(1)(introductory paragraph), 2457(A)(1), (B), and (C), 2458(7), and3 3121, to enact R.S. 47:6039 and Chapter 5 of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana4 Revised Statutes of 1950, to be comprised of R.S. 47:6360 through 6374 and R.S.5 51:1792, 1793, 1794, and 2453(8)(g), 2457(D), (E), (F) and (G) and to repeal R.S.6 51:2453(6), relative to rebates and rebate programs; to establish certain rebate7 programs; to provide for the eligibility of rebate applicants; to provide for the8 amount of rebate payments; to provide for the administration of rebate programs; to9 authorize the promulgation of rules and regulations; to provide for the establishment10 of certain registries; to require the registration of certain information; to authorize11 the collection of a fee; to provide for effectiveness; and to provide for related12 matters.13 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:14 Section 1. R.S. 47:6039 and Chapter 5 of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana15 Revised Statutes of 1950, to be comprised of R.S. 47:6360 through 6374 are hereby enacted16 to read as follows:17 §6039. Louisiana Tax Credit Registry18 A. Purpose. The intent of this Section is to provide for a centralized19 registration and recordation system for transferable tax credits granted, issued, and20 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 2 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. authorized by the State of Louisiana. The provisions of this Section shall be known1 and cited as the “Louisiana Tax Credit Registry Act.”2 B. Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following words and3 phrases shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates4 otherwise:5 (1) “Department” means the Department of Revenue.6 (2) “Secretary” means the secretary of the Department of Revenue.7 (3) “Tax credit” means any transferable tax credit granted, issued, and8 authorized by the State of Louisiana.9 (4) “Tax credit certificate” means any document granting tax credits issued10 by a state agency administering a tax credit program, such as tax credit certificates11 or final tax credit certification letters, which shall include the name of the individual12 or entity who has been issued the credits, the amount of tax credits issued and the13 applicable identification number.14 (5) “Transfer” means any alienation, assignment, or conveyance of a15 transferable tax credit.16 (6) “Transferee” means an individual or entity that receives a transfer of tax17 credits.18 (7) “Transferor” means an individual or entity that makes a transfer of a tax19 credit.20 C. Administration.21 (1) There is hereby established a central Tax Credit Registry, hereinafter22 referred to as "registry", within the Department of Revenue for the registration and23 recordation of tax credits granted, issued, and authorized by the state.24 (2) The department shall receive a copy of any tax credit certificate granted,25 issued, or authorized by the state, which includes but is not limited to transferable26 credits issued by the Department of Economic Development or the Department of27 Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 3 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (3) The notification submitted to the department shall include a processing1 fee of two hundred dollars per transferee.2 (4) Upon receipt of any tax credit and the processing fee, the department3 shall assign an identification number to each credit, and the name of the individual4 or entity who has been issued the credits, the amount of tax credits issued, the5 applicable identification number, and any other information deemed necessary shall6 be recorded in the registry.7 (5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no issuance,8 conveyance, transfer, assignment, or alienation of transferable tax credits shall be9 effective as to third parties until it has been recorded in the registry.10 (6) The effectiveness of the conveyance, transfer, assignment, and alienation11 of the transferable tax credits as between the transferor and transferee shall be as12 provided by agreement of the parties or, in the absence of an agreement, in13 accordance with the default provisions of the Louisiana Civil Code and its14 ancillaries.15 D. Special provisions for disallowance and recapture of tax credits.16 (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the tax17 credits shall be disallowed if the department or any state agency issuing tax credits18 finds that a taxpayer obtained a tax credit in violation of the provisions of the statute19 authorizing the tax credits, including but not limited to fraud or misrepresentation.20 (2) Any tax credits previously granted to a taxpayer, but later disallowed,21 maybe be recovered by the secretary, as provided by R.S. 47:1561.22 (3) To the extent that the transferor of a tax credit did not have the right to23 claim or use the credit at the time of the transfer, the transferees’ recourse shall be24 against the transferor, as provided by agreement of the parties.25 (4)(a) In case of disputed title to credits, prescription shall be suspended by26 any of the following:27 (i) The filing of a summary proceeding in any state or federal court.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 4 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (ii) A written agreement between all interested taxpayers and the secretary;1 or2 (iii) The filing of any pleading, either by the secretary or any taxpayer, with3 the Board of Tax Appeals.4 (b) Prescription shall begin to run again upon the issuance of a final5 administrative decision, or by a judgment which has become final and non-6 appealable.7 E. Public Access. Records maintained within the registry shall be available8 for public inspection and shall be exempt from the confidentiality provisions of R.S.9 47:1508.10 F. The department may promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with11 the Administrative Procedure Act as may be necessary to implement the provisions12 of this Chapter.13 G. Louisiana Department of Revenue Tax Fraud Statement. Tax fraud is14 considered to be any disregard of the rules and regulations set forth by the15 department. Tax fraud is investigated and handled on a case by case basis when16 there is reason to believe that the there is a lack of compliance with the rules of the17 department. In circumstances of fraud the maximum penalties shall be applied for18 each specific instance. Fraud is either reported or discovered through audit by the19 department. Fraud is considered a violation and is subject to penalty if proven to be20 intentional. The department is responsible for investigating and proving fraudulent21 activity before the application of penalties.22 * * *23 CHAPTER 5. REBATES AND REBATE PROGRAMS24 §6360. General Administrative Provisions for Rebates25 A.(1) Beginning July 1, 2014, the Department of Revenue may begin making26 rebate payments in the manner provided for in this Section. 27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 5 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) For purposes of this Chapter, a rebate may be issued the year the1 Department of Revenue or the Department of Economic Development affirmatively2 issues, approves, grants, or certifies the rebate payment.3 B.(1) Rebates shall be paid according to the following:4 (a) Rebates earned by corporations shall be paid to the corporation.5 (b) Rebates earned by entities not taxed as corporations for federal income6 tax purposes shall be paid to the entity and not the partners or members.7 (c) Rebates earned by individuals in their individual capacity shall be paid8 to the individual.9 (2) Amounts rebated shall bear interest at the rate established pursuant to10 R.S. 13:4202 computed from one hundred and eighty days after the filing date of a11 properly filed rebate claim. No interest on rebates shall be allowed if, the secretary12 proves by clear and convincing evidence that a person has deliberately overpaid a tax13 in order to derive the benefit of the interest allowed by this Section. Payments of14 interest authorized by this Section shall be made from funds derived from current15 collections of the taxes imposed by Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of16 1950, as amended.17 C.(1) Notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary, if any state18 agency that administers rebate programs finds that a taxpayer obtained a rebate in19 violation of the provisions of the enabling statute, including but not limited to20 misrepresentation, the rebate shall be subject to disallowance, in whole or in part, as21 further provided by rule. Any rebates previously granted to a taxpayer, but later22 disallowed, shall be subject to recapture.23 (2) The amount of rebates paid and later disallowed or rebate payments24 subject to recapture shall be added to any tax liability of the taxpayer collected under25 Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, with interest from the date of26 disallowance. The taxpayer shall be barred from receiving further rebates until the27 tax liability has been satisfied. Rebates issued to a taxpayer, but later disallowed,28 may be recovered by the secretary of the Department of Revenue through any29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 6 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. collection remedy authorized by R.S. 47:1561 and initiated within five years from1 December thirty-first of the year in which the rebate was granted. If the taxpayer2 that received the rebate is an entity, the Department shall first seek recapture from3 the entity that received the rebate. If the entire amount of the rebate subject to4 recapture cannot be recaptured from the entity, the remaining rebate shall be5 recaptured from the owners of the entity. The amount of the rebate subject to6 recapture shall be allocated among the partners, members or shareholders in7 proportion to their ownership interests at the time the rebate was issued.8 (3) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the only interest that may9 be assessed and collected on recovered rebates is interest at a rate three percentage10 points above the rate provided in R.S. 9:3500(B)(1), which shall be computed from11 the original date of the return on which the rebate was claimed.12 (4) The provisions of this Subsection are in addition to and shall not limit the13 authority of the secretary of the Department of Revenue to assess or to collect under14 any other provision of law.15 D.(1) Notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary, any person16 making an application, claim for rebate, or any report, return, statement, or other17 instrument or providing any other information pursuant to the provisions of any18 rebate program in this Chapter who willfully makes a false or fraudulent application,19 claim, report, return, statement, invoice, or other instrument or who willfully20 provides any false or fraudulent information, any person who willfully aids or abets21 another in making a false or fraudulent application, claim, report, return, statement,22 invoice, or other instrument, or any person who willfully aids or abets another in23 providing any false or fraudulent information, shall be subject to a fraud penalty of24 fifty percent of the amount of the rebate that was granted due to the fraud. This is in25 addition to any disallowance or recapture of the rebate and associated interest.26 (2) Any person against whom such fraud is proven shall be liable for the27 repayment of all rebate amounts which were granted as a result of the false or28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 7 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. fraudulent information. Interest shall be due on such repayments at the annual rate1 of fifteen percent.2 (3) Any person who willfully provides any false or fraudulent information,3 or who willfully aids or abets another person in providing false or fraudulent4 information shall not be eligible for any rebate under this Chapter for a period of5 three year from the date the fraud was proven.6 E. The secretary of the Department of Revenue shall make any rebates paid7 under this Section from the current collections of the taxes imposed by Title 47 of8 the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. The rebate shall constitute an9 overpayment, as defined in R.S. 47:1621(A).10 F. A claim for a rebate payment under this Chapter shall be a return for11 purposes of Chapter 18 of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as12 amended.13 G. (1) The Department of Revenue may promulgate such rules and14 regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to15 implement the provisions of this Section. All rules and regulations promulgated16 pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be subject to oversight by the House17 Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal18 Affairs.19 (2) The Department of Economic Development, in consultation with the20 Department of Revenue, shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with21 the Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to provide for an orderly22 transition for those taxpayers that earned tax credits prior to January 1, 2014 under23 the tax credit and incentive programs that existed under Chapter 1 of Subtitle VII of24 Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. All rules and25 regulations promulgated shall be subject to oversight by the House Committee on26 Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 8 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. §6361. Family Assistance Rebate Program; eligibility of applicants; amount of1 rebate2 A. The Family Assistance Rebate Program, hereinafter referred to as3 "program", is hereby established for purposes of authorizing a rebate payment for4 eligible Louisiana residents. The amount of the rebate shall be determined using the5 eligible resident’s household income and number of dependents in the eligible6 resident's household at the time of application for the rebate.7 B. The department shall establish the amount of rebate payments and income8 thresholds by rule. The department may annually adjust the income threshold and9 rebate amounts if the secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services,10 hereinafter referred to as "department" and "secretary", deems an adjustment is11 necessary. Adjustments in the income threshold and rebate amounts shall be12 published in the Louisiana Register no later than March 15 th of each year. In13 determining whether an adjustment is necessary, the secretary shall consider all of14 the following:15 (1) The percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index United States city16 average for all urban consumers (CPI-U), as prepared by the United States17 Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics;18 (2) A change in the most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey data as19 prepared by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics; and20 (3) Any other data that the secretary deems necessary to accurately reflect21 the sales tax burden on eligible Louisiana residents.22 C. This program shall be administered by the Department of Children and23 Family Services. Beginning April 1, 2014, an eligible resident may apply for the24 rebate on a form prescribed by the secretary of the department.25 D. If the secretary discovers that an eligible resident who received a rebate26 according to the provisions of this Section is in arrears for payment of child support27 obligations, the Department of Children and Family Services, office of children and28 family services, child support enforcement section is authorized to intercept rebate29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 9 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. payments under the provisions of R.S. 46:236.15 after notice of such arrearage has1 been made by certified or regular mail, personal service, or domiciliary service to the2 eligible resident.3 E. The secretary, in consultation with the secretary of the Department of4 Revenue, shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the5 Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to implement and administer the6 provisions of this Section, including, but not limited to rules regarding the7 determination of the amount of rebate payments and thresholds in Subsection B of8 this Section. All rules shall be subject to oversight by the House Committee on9 Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.10 F. The secretary may enter into agreements, including memoranda of11 understanding and cooperative endeavor agreements with the Department of12 Revenue to assist in the administration of the rebate program. The agreements shall13 be executed by the secretary of each department and shall include all terms necessary14 to administer the rebate program, including but not limited to data sharing between15 the departments.16 G. No Louisiana resident receiving a rebate pursuant to this Section shall be17 eligible for the rebate provided or in R.S. 47:6362.18 §6362. Rebate Program; Assistance for Retirees and Military; eligibility of19 applicants; amount of rebate20 A. A sales tax rebate program is hereby created for Louisiana residents who21 receive retirement benefits, disability benefits, social security benefits, Native22 American income, or active duty military pay that are exempt from Louisiana23 individual income taxation, and who may otherwise incur an increased overall state24 tax burden due to increases in the state sales and use tax rate.25 B. The rebate program established pursuant to the provisions of this Section26 shall be administered by the Department of Revenue. Beginning April 1, 2015, there27 shall be an annual sales tax rebate payment for Louisiana residents who file a federal28 income tax return with an annual federal adjusted gross income of less than sixty29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 10 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. thousand dollars for the year in which the rebate is applied for, and who receive1 qualifying income from a qualified retirement system or other qualified source as2 provided for in Subsection C of this Section. Eligible applicants may apply for the3 rebate on a form prescribed by the secretary of the department.4 C.(1) For purposes of the rebate authorized in this Section, qualifying5 income shall include income received from any of the following:6 (a) Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System.7 (b) Funded Judicial Retirement Plan.8 (c) Non-contributory Judicial Retirement Plan.9 (d) Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana.10 (e) Teachers’ Retirement System of Orleans Parish.11 (f) Louisiana School Employees’ Retirement System.12 (g) Louisiana State Police and Retirement System.13 (h) Pensions for Confederate Veterans and Widows of Confederate Veterans.14 (i) Assessors Retirement Fund.15 (j) Clerks’ of Court Retirement and Relief Fund.16 (k) District Attorneys’ Retirement System.17 (l) Municipal Employees’ Retirement System.18 (m) City of Baton Rouge Retirement System.19 (n) Employees’ Retirement System of East Baton Rouge Parish.20 (o) Employees’ Retirement System of Shreveport.21 (p) Parochial Employees’ Retirement System.22 (q) Employees’ Retirement System of Jefferson Parish.23 (r) City of Alexandria Employees’ Retirement System.24 (s) City of Bogalusa Employees’ Retirement System.25 (t) Registrars of Voters Employees’ Retirement System.26 (u) Sheriffs’ Pension and Relief Fund.27 (v) Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System.28 (w) Firefighters Retirement System.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 11 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (x) Firemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for the Consolidated Fire Districts1 of Bastrop.2 (y) Firemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for Baton Rouge.3 (z) Firemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for Bogalusa.4 (aa) Firefighters’ Pension and Relief Fund of New Orleans.5 (bb) Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for the City of Monroe.6 (cc) Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for Alexandria.7 (dd) Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for the City of Bossier City.8 (ee) Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for the City of Lafayette.9 (ff) Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for the Police Department of the10 City of New Orleans.11 (gg) Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for Lafayette.12 (hh) Harbor Police Retirement System (Port of New Orleans).13 (ii) Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund for the City of Shreveport.14 (jj) Bus Drivers’ Pension and Relief Fund for the City of Monroe.15 (kk) Electrical Workers’ Pension and Relief Fund for the City of Monroe.16 (ll) Employees’ Retirement System of the Sewage and Water Board of the17 City of New Orleans.18 (mm) LSU Retirement System.19 (nn) Firemen’s Pension and Relief Fund of Bogalusa, Bossier City, Houma,20 Kenner, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Ouachita, Shreveport, and West Monroe.21 (oo) Any retirement system for retirees of the United States Government.22 (pp) Any system provided for under the Railroad Retirement Act of 197423 under 42 U.S.C. 231. 24 (2) Qualifying income shall also include:25 (a) Federal Social Security benefits provided under 42 U.S.C. 301.26 (b) Up to thirty thousand dollars of active duty military pay received by a27 member of the armed forces of the United States for services performed outside this28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 12 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. state, for full-time duty which is or will be continuous and uninterrupted for one1 hundred twenty or more consecutive days.2 (c) Income earned by Native Americans living and working on their tribe’s3 reservation, 18 U.S.C. Section 1162.4 (d) Up to six thousand dollars of disability income. "Disability income"5 means payment for permanent total disability as provided for in R.S. 23:1221(2).6 (e) Up to six thousand annual pension and annuity income received by7 residents sixty-five years of age or older.8 D.(1) The department shall establish an initial table of rebate amounts by9 rule. Thereafter, the department shall annually adjust the rebate amounts by adopting10 a new schedule of rebate amounts and shall publish the new schedule in the January11 issue of the Louisiana Register. In determining the annual schedule of rebate12 amounts, the secretary shall consider all of the following:13 (a) The percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index United States city14 average for all urban consumers (CPI-U), as prepared by the United States15 Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics;16 (b) Any relevant changes in the most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey17 data as prepared by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor18 Statistics; and19 (c) Any other data that the secretary deems necessary to accurately reflect20 the sales tax burden on eligible Louisiana residents.21 (2) The income threshold brackets provided for in Subsection B of this22 Section shall be adjusted annually for each calendar year by the percentage increase23 in the Consumer Price Index United States city average for all urban consumers24 (CPI-U), as prepared by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor25 Statistics.26 E. The secretary of the department may promulgate rules and regulations in27 accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to administer the28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 13 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. rebate program. All rules shall be subject to oversight by the House Committee on1 Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.2 F. The secretary shall make the rebate payments authorized by this Section3 from the current collections of the taxes imposed under Subtitle II of Title 47 of the4 Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.5 G. No Louisiana resident receiving a rebate pursuant to this Section shall be6 eligible for the rebate provided or in R.S. 47:6362.7 H. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions8 of R.S. 47:6360.9 §6363. Rebate for local inventory taxes paid10 A. There shall be allowed a rebate for ad valorem taxes paid to political11 subdivisions on inventory held by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers and on12 natural gas held, used, or consumed in providing natural gas storage services or13 operating natural gas storage facilities. The rebate provided for in this Section shall14 be subject to the provisions of R.S. 47:6360.15 B. The term "manufacturer" as used herein means a person engaged in the16 business of working raw materials into wares suitable for use or which gives new17 shapes, qualities, or combinations to matter which already has gone through some18 artificial process. The term "distributor" as used herein means a person engaged in19 the sale of products for resale or further processing for resale. The term "retailer" as20 used herein means a person engaged in the sale of products to the ultimate consumer.21 C. If the Department of Revenue has reason to believe that the assessment22 upon which the ad valorem tax on inventory or natural gas was paid was not based23 upon fair market value, the department may appeal the assessment to the Louisiana24 Tax Commission, hereinafter "commission", for a redetermination of the assessment.25 If the commission determines that the assessment was more than five percent above26 fair market value, the commission shall authorize and direct the collector to correct27 the assessment on the tax roll and the Department of Revenue shall reduce the rebate28 accordingly.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 14 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. D. The amount of the rebate shall be equal to the amount of inventory taxes1 paid to political subdivisions.2 §6364. Rebate for taxes paid with respect to vessels in Outer Continental Shelf3 Lands Act Waters4 A. There shall be allowed a rebate for ad valorem taxes paid without protest5 to political subdivisions on vessels in Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Waters as6 certified to the assessor pursuant to R.S. 47:1956(B) within the calendar year7 immediately preceding the taxable year of assessment of such vessel. For purposes8 of this Section, ad valorem taxes shall be deemed to be paid to political subdivisions9 when they are paid without protest.10 B. For purposes of the rebate provided for in this Section, the term "vessel"11 shall include ships, oceangoing tugs, towboats, and barges. The term "Outer12 Continental Shelf Lands Act Waters" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in R.S.13 47:1702.14 C. The amount of the rebate shall be equal to the amount of the ad valorem15 taxes paid on Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Waters vessels paid to political16 subdivisions.17 D. Nothing in this Section and no taxes paid by a taxpayer relative to any18 vessel, as defined herein, shall in any way prohibit a taxpayer from the payment of19 ad valorem taxes under protest or to otherwise resist the collection of such ad20 valorem taxes. Further, nothing in this Section shall affect, define, interpret, in21 whole or in part, or otherwise determine the applicability of the international trade22 exemption in Article VII, Section 21(C)(16) of the Constitution of Louisiana or any23 other applicable rights, exemptions, exclusions, preemptions, or peremptions under24 the Constitution of Louisiana as amended, the Constitution of the United States as25 amended, all treaties and executive agreements of the United States, all intrastate26 agreements and compacts between Louisiana and other states, all laws of Louisiana27 as amended, and all laws of the United States of America as amended.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 15 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. E. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions1 of R.S. 47:6360.2 §6365. Rebates for motion picture investors3 A. Purpose. The primary objective of this Section is to encourage4 development in Louisiana of a strong capital and infrastructure base for motion5 picture production in order to achieve an independent, self-supporting industry. This6 objective is divided into immediate and long-term objectives as follows:7 (1) Immediate objectives are to:8 (a) Attract private investment for the production of motion pictures in9 Louisiana.10 (b) Develop a tax and capital infrastructure which encourages private11 investment. This infrastructure will provide for state participation in the form of12 rebates to encourage investment in state-certified productions.13 (2) Long-term objectives are to:14 (a) Encourage increased employment opportunities within this sector and15 increased global competitiveness with other states in fully utilizing economic16 development options within the motion picture industry.17 (b) Encourage new education curricula in order to provide a labor force18 trained in all aspects of film and digital production.19 B. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section:20 (1) "Base investment" means cash or cash equivalent investment made and21 used for production expenditures in the state for a state-certified production.22 (2) "Box rental" means private property owned by an employee or individual23 contractor and leased to a state-certified production for use in Louisiana on the state-24 certified production, noted as additional income on a W2 or 1099 tax form.25 (3) "Expended in the state" means an expenditure to lease immovable26 property located in the state; an expenditure as compensation for services performed27 in the state; or an expenditure to purchase or lease tangible personal property within28 the state where the transaction is subject to the state sales or lease tax provisions of29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 16 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. A transaction that is subject to1 the state sales or lease tax provisions of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes2 of 1950 shall include transactions which are also subject to a statutory exclusion or3 exemption.4 (4) "Expenditure" means actual cash or cash equivalent exchanged for goods5 or services.6 (5) "Headquartered in Louisiana" means a corporation incorporated in7 Louisiana or a partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity8 domiciled and headquartered in Louisiana for the purpose of producing nationally9 or internationally distributed motion pictures as defined in this Section.10 (6) "Motion picture" means a nationally or internationally distributed11 feature-length film, video, television pilot, television series, television movie of the12 week, animated feature film, animated television series, or commercial made in13 Louisiana, in whole or in part, for theatrical viewing or television viewing, or any14 digital online platform as approved by the office. The term "motion picture" shall15 not include the production of television coverage of news and athletic events.16 (7) "Motion picture production company" means a company engaged in the17 business of producing nationally or internationally distributed motion pictures as18 defined in this Section. Motion picture production company shall not mean or19 include any company owned, affiliated, or controlled, in whole or in part, by any20 company or person which is in default on a loan made by the state or a loan21 guaranteed by the state, nor with any company or person who has ever declared22 bankruptcy under which an obligation of the company or person to pay or repay23 public funds or monies was discharged as a part of such bankruptcy.24 (8) "Office" means the office of entertainment industry development in the25 Department of Economic Development provided for in R.S. 51:938.1.26 (9) "Payroll" means all salary, wages, and other compensation, including27 benefits paid to an employee for services relating to a state-certified production and28 taxable in this state. For applications received prior to August 1, 2013, "payroll" for29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 17 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. purposes of the additional rebate for Louisiana-resident payroll shall exclude any1 portion of an individual salary in excess of one million dollars. For applications2 received on or after August 1, 2013, payroll expenditures shall be limited to one3 million dollars per person, per state-certified production for each employee reported4 on a Form W2. Payments made to loan out companies or independent contractors5 reported on a Form 1099 shall also be subject to a limitation of one million dollars,6 per person, per state-certified production.7 (10) "Production expenditures" means preproduction, production, and8 postproduction expenditures in this state directly relating to a state-certified9 production, including the following: set construction and operation; wardrobes,10 makeup, accessories, and related services; costs associated with photography and11 sound synchronization, lighting, and related services and materials; editing and12 related services; rental of facilities and equipment; leasing of vehicles; costs of food13 and lodging; digital or tape editing, film processing, transfer of film to tape or digital14 format, sound mixing, special and visual effects, box rentals; and payroll. This term15 shall not include expenditures for marketing and distribution, non-production related16 overhead, amounts reimbursed by the state or any other governmental entity, costs17 related to the transfer of tax credits or rebates, amounts that are paid to persons or18 entities as a result of their participation in profits from the exploitation of the19 production, the application fee, or state or local taxes. The cost of customization or20 custom development of a tangible good specifically designed for use by a state-21 certified production in Louisiana shall not be an eligible production expense, unless22 the customization services are performed in Louisiana. For applications received on23 or after August 1, 2013, the term "production expense" shall not include expenditures24 for airfare, finance fees, bond fees, loan interest, or insurance premiums.25 (11) "Related party transaction" means a transaction between parties that are26 deemed to be related by common ownership or control, under generally accepted27 auditing principles. Related party transaction expenditures may be subject to28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 18 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. limitations, as provided for by rules promulgated by the Department, in accordance1 with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.2 (12) "Resident" or "resident of Louisiana" means a natural person domiciled3 in the state. A person who maintains a permanent place of abode within the state and4 spends in the aggregate more than six months of each year within the state shall be5 presumed to be domiciled in the state.6 (13) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Department of Economic7 Development.8 (14) "Source within the state" means a physical facility in Louisiana,9 operating with posted business hours and employing at least one full-time equivalent10 employee.11 (15) "Special events" means an event that occurs irrespective of filming,12 such as Mardi Gras, music festivals, concerts or other similarly situated events.13 (16) "Special event production expenditures" means only costs directly14 related to filming the special event shall qualify for tax credits. Costs that are15 indirectly related to filming shall not qualify for tax credits, including but not limited16 to artist compensation for festival or convert appearances and costs associated with17 the usual activities of a reality show or documentary.18 (17) "State" means the state of Louisiana.19 (18) "State-certified production" shall mean a production approved by the20 office and the secretary which is produced by a motion picture production company21 domiciled and headquartered in Louisiana and which has a viable multi-market22 commercial distribution plan.23 C. Investor rebate; specific productions and projects.24 (1) There is hereby authorized a rebate for Louisiana taxpayers for25 investment in state-certified productions. The rebate shall be earned by investors26 when certified by the office and the secretary. For state-certified productions,27 expenditures shall be certified no more than twice during the duration of a state-28 certified production unless the motion picture production company agrees to29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 19 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. reimburse the office for the costs of any additional certifications. The rebate shall1 be calculated as a percentage of the total base investment dollars certified per2 project.3 (a) For state-certified productions approved by the office and the secretary4 on or after July 1, 2009:5 (i) If the total base investment is greater than three hundred thousand dollars,6 each investor shall be allowed a rebate of thirty percent of the base investment made7 by that investor. For applications received on or after August 1, 2013, payroll8 expenditures shall be limited to one million dollars per person, per state certified9 production for each employee reported on a Form W2. Payments made to loan out10 companies or independent contractors reported on a Form 1099 shall also be subject11 to a limitation of one million dollars, per person, per state certified production.12 (ii) To the extent that base investment is expended on payroll for Louisiana13 residents employed in connection with a state-certified production, each investor14 shall be allowed an additional rebate of five percent of such payroll. However, if the15 payroll to any one person exceeds one million dollars, this additional rebate shall16 exclude any salary for that person that exceeds one million dollars.17 (b) Motion picture investor rebates associated with a state-certified18 production shall never exceed the total base investment in that production.19 (c) An applicant shall not receive any other incentive administered by the20 Department of Economic Development for any expenditures for which the applicant21 has received a rebate under this Section.22 D. Certification and administration.23 (1)(a) The secretary of the Department of Economic Development and the24 office shall determine through the promulgation of rules the minimum criteria that25 a project must meet in order to qualify according to this Section. The secretary and26 the office, and the division of administration shall determine through the27 promulgation of rules the minimum criteria that a project must meet in order to28 qualify according to this Section. All rules promulgated pursuant to the provisions29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 20 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. of this Section shall be subject to oversight by the House Committee on Ways and1 Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.2 (b) The secretary and the office shall determine, through the promulgation3 of rules, an appeals process in the event that an application for or the certification of4 motion picture production rebate is denied. The office shall promptly provide5 written notice of such denial to the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs6 and the House Committee on Ways and Means.7 (c) When determining which productions may qualify, the office and the8 secretary of the Department of Economic Development shall take the following9 factors into consideration:10 (i) The impact of the production on the immediate and long-term objectives11 of this Section.12 (ii) The impact of the production on the employment of Louisiana residents.13 (iii) The impact of the production on the overall economy of the state.14 (2)(a) Application. An applicant for the motion picture investor rebate shall15 submit an application for initial certification to the office and the secretary of the16 Department of Economic Development that includes the following information:17 (i) For state-certified productions the application shall include:18 (aa) The multi-market commercial distribution plan.19 (bb) A preliminary budget including estimated Louisiana payroll and20 estimated base investment.21 (cc) The script or synopsis.22 (dd) A list of the principal creative elements, including the cast, producer,23 and director.24 (ee) Estimated start and completion dates.25 (b) If the application is incomplete, additional information may be requested26 prior to further action by the office or the secretary of the Department of Economic27 Development. An application fee shall be submitted with the application based on28 the following:29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 21 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (i) Two-tenths of one percent times the estimated total incentive tax credits.1 (ii) The minimum application fee is two hundred dollars, and the maximum2 application fee is five thousand dollars.3 (c) The office and the secretary shall submit their initial certification of a4 project as a state-certified production to investors and to the secretary of the5 Department of Revenue indicating the total base investment which shall be expended6 in the state on the state-certified production. The initial certification shall include7 a unique identifying number for each state-certified production.8 (d) Prior to any final certification of the state-certified production, the9 motion picture production company shall submit to the office and the secretary an10 audit of the production expenditures certified by an independent certified public11 accountant approved by the office, as determined by rule. The office and the12 secretary shall review the audit, the production expense details, and may require13 additional information needed to make a determination. Upon approval of the audit,14 the office and the secretary shall issue a final rebate certification letter indicating the15 amount of the rebate certified for the state-certified production to the investors. The16 rules required by this Subparagraph shall, at a minimum, require that:17 (i) The auditor shall be a certified public accountant licensed in the state of18 Louisiana and shall be an independent third party, not related to the producer. The19 auditor's opinion shall disclose all non-audit services provided for a state-certified20 production and independence shall be compromised, and an audit rejected if either21 consulting services or a tax credit assessments are performed, in addition to an audit22 of expenditures.23 (ii) The auditor's opinion shall be addressed to the party which has engaged24 the auditor (e.g., directors of the production company, producer of the production).25 (iii) The auditor's name, address, and telephone number shall be evident on26 the report.27 (iv) The auditor's opinion shall be dated as of the completion of the audit28 fieldwork. 29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 22 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (v) The audit shall be performed in accordance with auditing standards1 generally accepted in the United States of America and the auditor shall have2 sufficient knowledge of accounting principles and practices generally recognized in3 the film and television industry.4 (e) At the time of final certification, the office shall submit the final5 certification letter to the Department of Revenue on behalf of the investor who6 earned the rebate. The amount of the rebate shall be eighty five percent of the face7 value of the rebates. Upon receipt of the final rebate certification letter and any8 necessary additional information, the secretary of the Department of Revenue shall9 make payment to the company, or its irrevocable designee, which may include but10 not be limited to a bank or other lender, in the amount to which he is entitled from11 the current collections of the taxes collected pursuant to Chapter I, of Subtitle II of12 this Title, as amended.13 (f) In addition to the requirements of Subparagraph (d) of this Paragraph,14 prior to any final certification of a state-certified production or infrastructure project,15 the motion picture production company or infrastructure project applicant shall16 submit to the office a notarized statement demonstrating conformity with, and17 agreeing to, the following:18 (i) To pay all undisputed legal obligations the film production company has19 incurred in Louisiana.20 (ii) To publish, at completion of principal photography, a notice at least once21 a week for three consecutive weeks in local newspapers in regions where filming has22 taken place in order to notify the public of the need to file creditor claims against the23 film production company by a specified date.24 (iii) That the outstanding obligations are not waived should a creditor fail to25 file by the specified date.26 (iv) To delay filing a claim for the film production tax credit until the office27 delivers written notification to the secretary of the Department of Revenue that the28 film production company has fulfilled all requirements for the rebate.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 23 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (3) The secretary of the Department of Revenue, in consultation with the1 office and the secretary of the Department of Economic Development shall2 promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the intent and3 purposes of this Section in accordance with the general guidelines provided herein.4 (4)(i) Any taxpayer applying for the rebate shall be required to reimburse the5 office for any audits required in relation to granting the rebate.6 (ii)(aa) The production application fee provided for in Subparagraph (2)(b)7 of this Subsection received by the office shall be deposited upon receipt in the state8 treasury. After compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the9 Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund and10 prior to any money being placed into the general fund or any other fund, an amount11 equal to that deposited as required by this Item shall be credited by the treasurer to12 a special fund hereby created in the state treasury to be known as the Entertainment13 Promotion and Marketing Fund. The money in the fund shall be appropriated by the14 legislature to be used solely for promotion and marketing of Louisiana's15 entertainment industry.16 (bb) The money in the fund shall be invested by the treasurer in the same17 manner as money in the state general fund and interest earned on the investment of18 the money shall be credited to the fund after compliance with the requirements of19 Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond20 Security and Redemption Fund. All unexpended and unencumbered money in the21 fund at the end of the year shall remain in the fund.22 (5) A motion picture production company applying for the additional rebate23 for the employment of Louisiana residents must remit a schedule to the Department24 of Revenue, in a machine-sensible format approved by the secretary of the25 Department of Revenue, that includes the following information: the names of all26 persons who received salary, wages, or other compensation for services performed27 in Louisiana in connection with the state-certified production, and the address,28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 24 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. taxpayer identification number, permanent address of, and the amount of1 compensation for services performed in Louisiana received by each such person.2 (6) With input from the Legislative Fiscal Office, the office shall prepare a3 written report to be submitted to the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal4 Affairs and the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means no less5 than sixty days prior to the start of the Regular Session of the Legislature in 2007,6 and every second year thereafter. The report shall include the overall impact of the7 rebates, the amount of the rebates issued, the number of net new jobs created, the8 amount of Louisiana payroll created, the economic impact of the rebates and film9 industry, and any other factors that describe the impact of the program.10 (7) The Department of Economic Development may request an additional11 audit of the expenditures submitted by the motion picture production company at the12 cost of the motion picture production company.13 (8) As a condition for receiving certification of rebates under this Section,14 state-certified productions may be required to display an animated state brand or15 logo, or both, which includes a fleur de lis as prescribed by the secretary of the16 Department of Economic Development as long as the animated state brand or logo17 is not contrary to any rule or regulation of the Federal Communications Commission.18 E. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions19 of R.S. 47:6360.20 §6366. Rebate for property taxes paid by certain telephone companies; fund21 A. Pursuant to the provisions of this Section, there shall be allowed a rebate22 for, and in an amount equal to, forty percent of the aggregate ad valorem taxes paid23 to political subdivisions of this state after December 31, 2000, by a telephone24 company, as defined in R.S. 47:1851(Q), with respect to such telephone company's25 public service properties, as defined in R.S. 47:1851(M), which are assessed by the26 Louisiana Tax Commission at twenty-five percent of fair market value pursuant to27 R.S. 47:1854. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the28 provisions of R.S. 47:6360.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 25 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. B.(1)(a) The avails of sales and use taxes imposed pursuant to R.S. 47:302,1 321, and 331 attributable to the furnishing of interstate and international2 telecommunication services, as both those terms are defined in Chapter 2 of Subtitle3 II of this Title, shall be credited to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, and4 after a sufficient amount is allocated from that fund to pay all of the obligations5 secured by the full faith and credit of the state which become due and payable within6 any fiscal year, the treasurer shall deposit an amount of avails as determined7 pursuant to Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph into a special fund which is hereby8 created and established in the state treasury and known as the "Telephone Company9 Property Assessment Relief Fund", hereinafter the "fund".10 (b) The amount of such avails shall be determined by the secretary, by rule,11 using industry data as available at the time the fund was originally created, and as12 had been published by the Federal Communications Commission. The secretary13 shall adopt and promulgate such rule no later than March 1, 2006, and the rule shall14 be effective for tax periods starting on or after July 1, 2006.15 (2) The monies in the fund shall be used solely and exclusively for the16 purpose of providing funds to pay the rebates as provided in this Section. The17 treasurer shall annually transfer to the state general fund an amount equal to the18 rebates issued pursuant to this Section.19 (3) The monies in the fund shall be invested by the treasurer in the same20 manner as the monies in the state general fund. Interest earned on investment of21 monies in the fund shall be deposited in and credited to the fund. Unexpended and22 unencumbered monies in the fund at the close of each fiscal year shall remain in the23 fund.24 (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section to the contrary, in25 any fiscal year in which the balance in the fund which is available for appropriation,26 net of any credits or rebates previously allowed pursuant to this Section, does not27 equal or exceed the total amount of the rebates taken for that fiscal year pursuant to28 this Section, the rebates allowed in the succeeding fiscal year shall be29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 26 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. proportionately reduced by the amount of the shortfall; however, any reduction may1 be carried forward to any succeeding fiscal year. The secretary shall determine the2 amount of any reductions required pursuant to this Subsection.3 §6367. Rebate; rehabilitation of historic structures4 A.(1)(a) There shall be a rebate for the amount of eligible costs and expenses5 incurred during the rehabilitation of a historic structure located in a downtown6 development or a cultural product district. The rebate shall not exceed twenty-five7 percent of the eligible costs and expenses of the rehabilitation. No taxpayer, or any8 entity affiliated with such taxpayer, shall receive more than five million dollars of9 rebate for any number of structures rehabilitated within a particular downtown10 development or cultural product district.11 (b) The rebate for qualified rehabilitation expenditures is earned only in the12 year in which the property attributable to the expenditures is placed in service.13 (2)(a) In order to qualify for the rebate, the historic structure located in the14 downtown development or cultural product district shall also be listed on the15 National Register of Historic Places or be certified by the state historic preservation16 office as contributing to the historical significance of the district.17 (b) Eligible structures must be nonresidential real property or residential18 rental property.19 (c) A fee shall be charged by the state historic preservation office of two20 hundred fifty dollars per application.21 B.(1) Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following words and22 phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Subsection:23 (a) "Cultural product district" shall mean a district designated by a local24 governing authority in accordance with law for the purpose of revitalizing a25 community by creating a hub of cultural activity, including affordable artist housing26 and workspace. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall develop27 standard criteria for cultural product districts. Such criteria shall include that the28 district must be geographically contiguous and distinguished by cultural resources29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 27 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. that play a vital role in the life and cultural development of a community. The1 district shall focus on a cultural compound, a major art institution, art and2 entertainment businesses, an area with arts and cultural activities or cultural or3 artisan production and be engaged in the promotion, preservation, and educational4 aspects of the arts and culture of the locale and contribute to the public through5 interpretive and educational uses. The Department of Culture, Recreation and6 Tourism may determine whether or not a district complies with this definition.7 (b) "Downtown development district" shall mean a downtown development8 district or central business development district created by law, pursuant to law, or9 by ordinance adopted prior to January 1, 2002, in a home rule charter municipality.10 (c) "Eligible costs and expenses" shall mean qualified rehabilitation11 expenditures as defined in Section 47c(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,12 as amended, except that "substantially rehabilitated" shall mean that the qualified13 rehabilitation expenditures must exceed ten thousand dollars.14 (2) Federal law terms. Except as otherwise provided or clearly appearing15 from the context, any term used in this Section shall have the same meaning as when16 used in a comparable context in federal law.17 C. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions18 of R.S. 47:6360.19 D. The provisions of this Section shall be effective for the taxable years20 ending prior to January 1, 2016.21 §6368. Rebate; School Readiness Child Care Expense Program22 A.(1) The School Readiness Child Care Expense Program, hereinafter23 "program", is hereby established for purposes of authorizing a rebate payment for24 eligible child care providers and child care facilities which participate in the quality25 rating system and which provide quality child care to children who are five years of26 age or less. For purposes of qualifying for the rebate authorized pursuant to the27 provisions of this Section, applicants must meet all program requirements and28 restrictions as provided for in Subsection of this Section. The amount of the29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 28 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. rebate shall be based on the quality rating awarded to an eligible child care facility1 by the quality rating system.2 (2) The department, by rule, shall establish the amount of the rebate and the3 qualifying criteria for eligible applicants for the rebate. The department may4 annually adjust rebate amounts for each calendar year by the percentage increase in5 the Consumer Price Index United States city average for all urban consumers6 (CPI-U), as prepared by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor7 Statistics, as determined by the secretary of the Department of Revenue on8 December first of the preceding calendar year. Adjustments in rebate payment9 amounts shall be published in the Louisiana Register no later than March 15 th of each10 year.11 B. The following persons or entities shall be eligible applicants for the rebate12 authorized by this Section:13 (1) A child care facility which the state administrator of the Child Care14 Development Fund determines is eligible to participate in the quality rating system15 according to criteria set forth by rule adopted by the department and which has16 applied for evaluation under such system, and is participating in the system.17 (2) A child care provider who owns an eligible child care facility or18 facilities.19 (3) A child care director enrolled in the state practitioner registry developed20 and maintained by the department, and who is employed in an eligible child care21 facility which participates in the quality rating system.22 (4) An individual who is enrolled in the state practitioner registry developed23 and maintained by the department and who is employed in a child care facility which24 participates in the quality rating system.25 (5) Businesses that make eligible donations to child care facilities.26 C. This program shall be administered by the state agency designated as the27 state administrator of the Child Care Development Fund and responsible for28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 29 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. distributing and managing rebates associated with the fund. For purposes of this1 Section, this state agency shall be referred to as "department".2 D. The department shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with3 the Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to develop the rebate program4 established pursuant to the provisions of this Section. All rules promulgated5 according to the provisions of this Section shall be subject to oversight by the House6 Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal7 Affairs.8 E. If the department or the Department of Revenue find that a child care9 provider, director, or staff member has obtained a rebate in violation of the10 provisions of this Section, the person awarded the rebate payment shall return the11 rebate payment to the state. The Department of Revenue may recover any rebates12 previously granted to any person or entity but are disallowed as authorized by R.S.13 47:1561.2 due to violation of rules. Persons or entities shall have the right to appeal14 as permitted in 47:1565.15 F. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions16 of R.S. 47:6360.17 §6369. Rebate; Research and development18 A. The Legislature of Louisiana hereby finds and declares that the health,19 safety, and welfare of the people of this state are dependent upon the continued20 encouragement, development, growth, and expansion of the private sector within the21 state. Therefore, it is declared to be the purpose of this Section to encourage new22 and continuing efforts to conduct research and development activities within this23 state.24 B.(1) Any entity which employs fifty or more persons and claims the federal25 income rebate under 26 U.S.C. §41(a) in the most recently concluded federal tax year26 for increasing research activities shall be allowed a rebate payment for qualified27 research expenses as provided under this Section.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 30 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) Any entity which employs less than fifty persons and claims for the1 taxable year a federal income tax credit pursuant to 26 U.S.C.§41(a) for the most2 recently concluded federal tax year, or meets the requirements of Subparagraph (i)3 of this Paragraph shall be allowed a rebate of qualified research expenses.4 (3) The Department of Economic Development, hereinafter "department",5 shall administer the rebate program provided for in this Section. Applicants for6 rebates authorized pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall submit applications7 to the department with an application fee of two hundred fifty dollars. Rebate8 applications shall include the following:9 (a) A federal income tax return and supporting documentation that shows the10 amount of the federal research credit for the taxable year. If the applicant is claiming11 the rebate authorized in Subsection D of this Section, the applicant shall also remit12 supporting documentation for the federal Small Business Innovation Research Grant.13 (b) The total amount of qualified research expenses and the qualified14 research expenses in this state.15 (c) The total number of persons employed in Louisiana by the applicant and16 the number of persons employed in Louisiana directly engaged in research and17 development.18 (d) The average wages of the persons employed in Louisiana not directly19 engaged in research and development and the average wages of the persons20 employed in Louisiana directly engaged in research and development.21 (e) The average value of benefits received by all persons employed in22 Louisiana.23 (f) The cost of health insurance coverage offered to all persons employed in24 Louisiana.25 (g) At the department's request, the applicant shall allow the department26 access to federal income tax information related to federal research and development27 credits provided directly from the Internal Revenue Se5rvice. This access includes,28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 31 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. but is not limited to execution of IRS forms 8821 and 4506 in favor of the1 department.2 (h) Any other information required by the department.3 (i) An applicant who employs less than fifty employees is not required to file4 for the federal income tax credit under 26 U.S.C. §41(a) for increasing research5 activities in order to apply for rebates under this Section if all of the following6 criteria are met:7 (i) The applicant must provide the department with a report from an8 independent certified public accountant licensed in the state of Louisiana finding that9 the applicant would not financially benefit from claiming the federal income tax10 credit under 26 U.S.C. §41(a) for increasing research activities and that the applicant11 is in compliance with the agreed-upon procedures as defined by the department.12 (ii) Applicants that employ less than fifty employees and who do not claim13 the research credit on their federal income tax return for that year shall provide all14 supporting documentation required by the department to show the amount of the15 qualified research expenses for such taxable year.16 (4) The department shall approve or disapprove each application. No rebates17 shall be granted to a applicant under this Section unless the rebate is approved.18 (5) Professional services firms as defined by the department and businesses19 primarily engaged in custom manufacturing and custom fabricating as defined by the20 department shall be ineligible to receive rebates under this Section unless specifically21 invited to participate in the rebate program by the secretary of the department.22 C.(1) For purposes of determining the amount of the rebate payment, an23 "entity" shall be determined by the total number of employees based on the24 aggregate of all affiliated companies.25 (2) The amount of the rebate authorized in this Section shall be equal to26 either:27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 32 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (a) Eight percent of the difference, if any, of the Louisiana qualified research1 expenses for the year minus the base amount, if the applicant is an entity that2 employs one hundred or more persons.3 (b) Twenty percent of the difference, if any, of the Louisiana qualified4 research expenses for the year minus the base amount, if the applicant is an entity5 that employs fifty to ninety-nine persons.6 (c) Forty percent of the Louisiana qualified research expenses for the year,7 if the applicant is an entity that employs fewer than fifty persons.8 D. An applicant who receives a federal Small Business Innovation Research9 Grant as created by the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L.10 97-219), reauthorized by the Small Business Research and Development11 Enhancement Act (P.L. 102-564), and reauthorized again by the Small Business12 Reauthorization Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-554), shall be allowed a rebate payment in an13 amount equal to forty percent of the award received during the tax year.14 E. As used in this Section, the following terms shall have the meaning15 hereafter ascribed to them, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:16 (1) "Base amount" shall mean seventy percent of the average annual17 qualified research expenses within Louisiana during the three years preceding the18 federal tax year.19 (2) "Department" shall mean the Department of Economic Development.20 (3) "Person" shall mean a natural person.21 (4) "Qualified research expenses" and "qualified research" shall have the22 same meanings as those terms are defined in 26 U.S.C. §41, as amended.23 F. The department shall administer the provisions of this Section and shall24 have the following powers and duties in addition to those granted by other laws of25 this state:26 (1) To monitor the implementation and operation of this Section and conduct27 a continuing evaluation of the program.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 33 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) To assist any applicant in obtaining the benefits of any incentive or1 inducement program authorized by Louisiana law.2 (3) To promulgate program rules and regulations in consultation with the3 secretary of the Department of Revenue, in accordance with the Administrative4 Procedure Act. Rulemaking oversight for purposes of the Administrative Procedure5 Act shall be conducted by the House Committee on Ways and Means and Senate6 Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.7 (4) To receive information from the Department of Revenue regarding the8 identity of the applicant and the amount of rebate claimed for any rebates claimed9 pursuant to this Section. Such information shall not be public record and shall be10 subject to the same prohibition of disclosure as in the possession of the Department11 of Revenue.12 (5) To audit all relevant records and accounts of any applicant applying for13 rebates provided for by this Section.14 G.(1) The department shall perform a detailed examination of at least ten15 percent of all applications received prior to the issuance of rebate payments.16 Selection of applications for examination shall be based on either a random sampling17 of applications, the applicant’s business sector, or other selection criteria as18 determined by the department.19 (2) If an applicant's application is selected for examination, the applicant20 shall submit all supporting documentation required by the department that verifies21 the amount of the qualified research expenses incurred in Louisiana for the taxable22 year.23 (3) Upon examination, the department shall disallow any rebates that are not24 substantiated by documentation as required by the Internal Revenue Code, as25 amended; the regulations thereunder, as amended; and applicable case law.26 (4) The applicant bears the burden of proving that the activities for which the27 rebate is claimed meet the Internal Revenue Code Section 41(d) definition of28 qualified research.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 34 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (5) Nothing in this Subsection shall preclude the department from examining1 a applicant's application for research and development rebates after the issuance of2 rebates. Rebates disallowed following an examination conducted after the issuance3 of such rebates shall be subject to recovery, recapture or offset.4 H. An applicant shall not receive any other incentive administered by the5 Department of Economic Development for any expenditures for which the applicant6 has received a rebate pursuant to this Section.7 I. No rebate shall be allowed pursuant to this Section for research8 expenditures incurred or Small Business Innovation Research Grant funds received9 after December 31, 2019.10 J. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions11 of R.S. 47:6360.12 §6370. Rebate; Angel Investor Rebate Program13 A. Purpose. The legislature finds that the welfare of the state is enhanced14 by a healthy entrepreneurial business environment and that ready sources of capital15 necessary to support this environment are not currently available. The Angel16 Investor Rebate Program is intended to achieve the following purposes:17 (1) To encourage third parties to invest in early stage wealth-creating18 businesses in the state.19 (2) To expand the economy of the state by enlarging its base of wealth-20 creating businesses.21 (3) To enlarge the number of quality jobs available to retain the presence of22 young people educated in Louisiana.23 B. Administration. (1) Program. Investments made on or after January 1,24 2011, by qualifying individuals or entities that invest in a Louisiana Entrepreneurial25 Business as defined by R.S. 51:2303(5) may apply for, and if qualified, be granted26 a rebate. The administration of rebate applications, certification of eligibility and27 qualification of applicants for rebates, and the provision for these rebates shall be28 known as the Angel Investor Rebate Program, hereinafter referred to as "program".29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 35 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) Rules. The program shall be implemented and administered by the1 Department of Economic Development, hereinafter referred to as "department". In2 compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the department shall adopt and3 promulgate rules as are necessary for the efficient and effective administration of this4 program in keeping with the purposes for which it is enacted. The department shall5 work closely with the secretary of the Department of Revenue in the development6 and promulgation of rules. The rules shall include provisions for:7 (a) An application process through which the department may certify the8 eligibility of an investor applicant for receipt of the rebate and the qualification of9 an investor to claim the rebate.10 (b) The presentation of an investor's eligibility certification and any other11 documentation required in order to earn or claim a rebate.12 (c) The submission of annual reports by the Louisiana Entrepreneurial13 Business regarding the use of proceeds, number of employees, amount of payroll,14 annual Revenue, and any other information requested by the department.15 C. Qualifications. (1) To qualify for a rebate, the investor and the16 investment shall meet all of the following requirements:17 (a) The investment in the Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business must be an18 investment that is at risk and not secured or guaranteed. "At risk" means that the19 repayment of the investment is entirely dependent on the success of the Louisiana20 Entrepreneurial Business. The funds invested by the applicant cannot have been21 raised as a result of illegal activity.22 (b) For the purposes of the program, an angel investor or investors cannot23 be the principal owner or owners of the business who are involved in the operation24 of the business as a full-time professional activity, nor can their spouses and25 relatives within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity. A principal owner26 means one or more persons who own an aggregate of fifty percent or more of the27 Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 36 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (c) The use of proceeds from the investment must be used for capital1 improvements, plant equipment, research and development, working capital for the2 business, or other business activity as may be approved by the department. The3 proceeds cannot be used to pay dividends, repay shareholder's loans, redeem shares,4 or repay debt unless approved by the department.5 (d) The investor applicant shall meet the definition of accredited investor6 established by Rule 501 in Regulation D of the General Rules and Regulations7 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.8 (e) The investment in the Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business by the9 applicant must be maintained for three years unless otherwise approved by the10 Department of Economic Development.11 (2) To qualify for an angel investor rebate, the Louisiana Entrepreneurial12 Business in which the investment is made shall meet all the following requirements:13 (a) The principal business operations of the business are located in14 Louisiana.15 (b) Prior to the investment, the department has approved the business as one16 which may receive investments which may qualify for a rebate under the program.17 (c) The business must demonstrate that it will be a wealth-creating business18 for Louisiana by demonstrating in its business plan that it will have more than fifty19 percent of its sales from outside Louisiana.20 (d) The business is not a business engaged primarily in retail sales, real21 estate, professional services, gaming or gambling, natural resource extraction or22 exploration, or financial services including venture capital funds.23 D. Rebates. (1) The total amount of rebates granted by the department in24 any calendar year shall not exceed five million dollars. The department shall by rule25 establish the method of allocating available rebates to investors including but not26 limited to a first-come, first-served system, reservation of rebates for a specific time27 period, or other method which the department, in its discretion, may find beneficial28 to the program. If the department does not grant the entire five million dollars in29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 37 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. rebates in any calendar year, the amount of residual unused rebates shall carry1 forward to subsequent calendar years and may be granted in any year without regard2 to the five million dollar per year limitation. After the approval of an investor pool,3 the department shall issue a letter identifying the amount of rebates that are available4 to that pool; however, no rebate shall be granted to an investor until the investment5 has been made in the Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business.6 (2)(a) An investor may apply for and, if qualified, be granted a rebate7 payment in the amount approved by the secretary of the department. The amount of8 the rebate shall be based upon the amount of money invested by the investor in the9 Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business, which investment shall not exceed one million10 dollars per year per business and two million dollars total per business. The rebates11 approved by the department shall be granted at the rate of thirty-five percent of the12 amount of the investment with the rebate divided in equal portions for five years.13 (b) After certifying the eligibility of the Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business14 and the amount of the investment, the secretary of the department shall issue a rebate15 certificate, a copy of which is to be attached to the tax return of the angel investor.16 (c) The rebate certificate shall contain the investor's name, address, tax17 identification number, the amount of rebate, the name of the qualifying Louisiana18 Entrepreneurial Business, a statement certifying that the Louisiana Entrepreneurial19 Business was domiciled in Louisiana at the close of the previous calendar year, and20 other information which may be required by the Department of Revenue. The rebate21 certificate, unless rescinded by the department, shall be accepted by the Department22 of Revenue as proof of the rebate.23 (d) The department shall maintain a list of the rebate certificates issued.24 (3)(a) If at the close of any calendar year in the five-year period beginning25 with the first year in which a rebate certificate was issued to an investor, the26 Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business is no longer domiciled in Louisiana, the rebate27 shall be recaptured from the investor unless change of domicile is the result of a28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 38 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. merger, consolidation, or other acquisition of such business with or by a party not1 affiliated with the business.2 (b) If at the close of any calendar year in the three-year period beginning3 with the first year a rebate certificate was issued to an investor, the investor transfers4 the equity received in connection with the qualified investment, the rebate shall be5 recaptured from the investor unless the transfer results from any of the following6 circumstances:7 (i) The liquidation of the business issuing the equity;8 (ii) The merger, consolidation, or other acquisition of such business with or9 by a party not affiliated with the business; or10 (iii) The death of the investor.11 E.(1) Any person making an application, claim for rebate, or any report,12 return, statement, or other instrument or providing any other information pursuant13 to the provisions of the Angel Investor Rebate Program who willfully makes a false14 or fraudulent application, claim, report, return, statement, invoice, or other15 instrument or who willfully provides any false or fraudulent information, any person16 who willfully aids or abets another in making a false or fraudulent application, claim,17 report, return, statement, invoice, or other instrument, or any person who willfully18 aids or abets another in providing any false or fraudulent information, shall be guilty,19 upon conviction, of a felony and shall be punished by the imposition of a fine of not20 less than one thousand dollars and not more than fifty thousand dollars or imprisoned21 for not less than two years and not more than five years, or both.22 (2) Any person convicted of a violation of this Section shall be liable for the23 repayment of all rebate amounts which were granted to that person. Interest shall be24 due on such repayments at the rate of fifteen percent per annum.25 F. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions26 of R.S. 47:6360.27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 39 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. §6371. Rebate; Digital interactive media and software1 A. Short title. This Section shall be known and may be referred to as the2 "Louisiana Digital Media and Software Act".3 B. Purpose. The primary objective of this Section is to encourage4 development in Louisiana of a strong capital base for the production of digital5 interactive media products and platforms in order to achieve a more independent,6 self-supporting industry. This objective is divided into immediate and long-term7 objectives as follows:8 (1) Immediate objectives are to:9 (a) Attract private investment for the production of digital interactive media10 products and platforms in this state.11 (b) Develop a tax infrastructure which encourages private investment. This12 infrastructure will provide for state participation in the form of rebates to encourage13 investment in state-certified productions.14 (c) Develop a tax infrastructure utilizing rebates which encourage15 investments in multiple state-certified productions.16 (2) Long-term objectives are to:17 (a) Encourage increased employment opportunities within this sector and18 increased competition with other states in fully developing economic development19 options within digital interactive media products and platforms.20 (b) Encourage new education curricula in order to provide a labor force21 trained in all aspects of digital interactive media.22 (c) Encourage partnerships between digital interactive media developers and23 Louisiana educational institutions.24 C. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section:25 (1) "Base investment" means the actual funds expended in Louisiana by a26 state-certified production as production-related costs for design or development of27 digital interactive media, including costs for payroll and component parts, as defined28 in this Section.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 40 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) "Component parts", with respect to digital interactive media, means all1 elements that are integral to the functioning or development of such products and2 platforms. Some examples of "component parts" are software, computer code, image3 files, music files, audio files, video files, scripts and plays, concept mock-ups,4 software tools, and testing procedures. Component parts shall also include, but not5 be limited to computer servers, workstations, server racks, hard drives, optical6 drives, monitors, keyboards, integrated video and audio equipment, networking7 routers, switches, network cabling, and any other computer-related hardware8 necessary to create or operate a digital interactive media product or platform.9 (3) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Economic10 Development.11 (4)(a) "Digital interactive media" means products or platforms that are12 intended for commercial production, use, or distribution; that contain at least two of13 the following types of data: text, sound, fixed images, animated images, video, or 3D14 geometry; and that have all of the following three characteristics:15 (i) "Digital" means a system that uses discrete (discontinuous) values16 ordinarily symbolized numerically to represent information for input, processing,17 transmission, and storage. A digital system would be contrasted with an "analog"18 system which uses a continuous range of values to represent information. The term19 "digital" includes, but is not limited to information input, processed, transmitted and20 stored via the Internet.21 (ii) "Interactive" means a digital media system for inputting, processing,22 transmitting, or storing information or data in which users of the system are able to23 respond to the digital media system by inputting, transmitting, processing, or storing24 information or data in response to the information or data provided to them through25 the digital media system. "Digital media system" means communications delivered26 via electronic energy where the information stored, transmitted, or received is in27 digital form.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 41 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (iii) "Media" means communication tools used to store, transmit, distribute,1 and deliver information and data. The term "media" includes methods and2 mechanisms for information distribution through, but not limited to distributed3 networks, such as the Internet, and through compact disc, CD-ROM, various types4 of DVD, and other removable storage drives and devices.5 (b) Some examples of digital interactive media are:6 (i) Video or interactive games.7 (ii) Simulation software.8 (iii) Interactive educational or training products.9 (iv) Internet sites designed and developed as social media.10 (v) Software applications that provide connectivity and communications11 between mobile devices and digital interactive media web platforms.12 (vi) Technology designed to stream live or pre-recorded video content over13 the Internet to large simultaneous audiences.14 (c) "Digital interactive media" shall not include:15 (i) Software development designed and developed primarily for internal or16 operational purposes of the company.17 (ii) Largely static Internet sites designed to provide information about a18 person, business, company, or firm.19 (iii) Products regulated under the Louisiana Gaming Control Law.20 (5) "Company" means an entity authorized to do business in the state of21 Louisiana and engaged in the business of producing digital interactive media as22 defined in this Section. "Company" shall not mean or include any company owned,23 affiliated, or controlled, in whole or in part, by any company or person subject to any24 of the following:25 (a) Has a contract or application with the Department of Economic26 Development that is in default or noncompliance.27 (b) Is in default on a loan made by the state or a loan guaranteed by the state.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 42 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (c) Has ever declared bankruptcy under which an obligation of the company1 or person to pay or repay public funds or monies was discharged as a part of such2 bankruptcy.3 (6) "Expended in Louisiana" means an expenditure to lease immovable4 property located within the state; an expenditure as compensation for services5 performed in the state; or an expenditure to purchase or lease tangible personal6 property within the state where the transaction is subject to the state sales or lease tax7 provisions of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. A transaction that8 is subject to the state sales or lease tax provisions of Title 47 of the Louisiana9 Revised Statutes of 1950 shall include transactions which are also subject to a10 statutory exclusion or exemption.11 (7) "Office" means the office of entertainment industry development in the12 Department of Economic Development as provided in R.S. 51:938.1.13 (8) "Payroll" includes all salary, wages, and other compensation sourced or14 apportioned to Louisiana, including related benefits.15 (9) "Person" means a natural person, corporation, partnership, limited16 partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, estate, or association.17 (10)(a) "Production expenses" means preproduction and production18 expenditures in the state directly relating to a state-certified production including19 without limitation the following: testing software, source code development, patches,20 updates, sprites, three-dimensional models, and level design; costs associated with21 photography and sound synchronization, lighting and related services; rental of22 Louisiana facilities and equipment; purchase of prepackaged audio files, video files,23 photographic, or libraries; purchase of licenses to use pre-recorded audio files, video,24 or photographic files; development costs associated with producing audio files and25 video files to be used in the production of the end product under development.26 (b) "Production expenses" shall not include any of the following:27 (i) Expenditures for or related to marketing, promotion and distribution.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 43 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (ii) Administrative, payroll, and management services which are not directly1 related to management of the state-certified production.2 (iii) Food, entertainment, and lodging expenses.3 (iv) Amounts that are later reimbursed by the state.4 (v) Costs related to the transfer of rebates.5 (vi) Amounts that are paid to persons or entities as a result of their6 participation in profits from the exploitation of the production.7 (vii) Any application fee, or state or local taxes.8 (11) "Related party transaction" means a transaction between parties that are9 deemed to be related by common ownership or control, under generally accepted10 auditing principles. Related party transaction expenditures may be subject to11 limitations, as provided for by rules promulgated by the Department, in accordance12 with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.13 (12) "Resident" or "resident of Louisiana" means a natural person and, for14 the purpose of determining eligibility for the tax incentives provided by this Section,15 any person domiciled in the state of Louisiana and any other person who maintains16 a permanent place of abode within the state and spends in the aggregate more than17 six months of each year within the state.18 (13) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Louisiana Department of19 Economic Development.20 (14) "State-certified production" shall mean a digital interactive media21 production or a component part thereof approved by the office.22 (15) "Rebate" means the digital interactive media and software development23 rebate authorized by this Section.24 D. Rebate; specific projects.25 (1) For applications for state-certified productions submitted to the office on26 or after July 1, 2009, and subsequently approved by the office and secretary, there27 are hereby authorized rebates for expenditures in Louisiana on a state-certified28 production as follows:29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 44 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (a) Rebates shall be earned at the rate of twenty-five percent of the base1 investment.2 (b) To the extent that base investment is expended on payroll for Louisiana3 residents employed in connection with a state-certified production, additional rebates4 shall be earned at the rate of ten percent of the payroll.5 (2) For rebates earned for expenditures made on or after January 1, 2012, at6 the time of final certification, the office shall submit the final certification letter to7 the Department of Revenue on behalf of the investor who earned the rebate. The8 amount of the rebate shall be eighty five percent of the face value of the rebates.9 Upon receipt of the final rebate certification letter and any necessary additional10 information, the secretary of the Department of Revenue shall make payment to the11 company, or its irrevocable designee, which may include but not be limited to a bank12 or other lender, in the amount to which he is entitled from the current collections of13 the taxes collected pursuant to Chapter I, of Subtitle II of this Title, as amended14 E. Administration. (1) The office may promulgate rules in accordance with15 the Administrative Procedure Act to establish the policies and program elements16 regarding project qualifications of state-certified productions and any other matter17 necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this Section. Such rules shall be18 subject to oversight by the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate19 Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.20 (2)(a) Application. A company seeking to participate in the rebate program21 shall apply to the department through an application process established by the22 department.23 (b) An application fee shall be submitted with the application based on the24 following:25 (i) Two-tenths of one percent times the estimated total incentive tax credits.26 (ii) The minimum application fee is two hundred dollars, and the maximum27 application fee is five thousand dollars.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 45 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (3) Certification. (a) The office shall review the company's application and1 any other information which it deems appropriate for determination of the project's2 eligibility for initial certification. For a project deemed eligible, the office shall3 provide an initial certification of the project as a state-certified production to the4 company and to the secretary of the Department of Revenue. The initial certification5 shall be effective for expenditures made no more than six months prior to the date6 of application and shall be valid until the project is completed. The initial7 certification shall include a unique identifying number for each state-certified8 production.9 (b) Prior to final certification of rebates of a state-certified production or any10 portion thereof, but no more than once per calendar year, the company shall submit11 to the office a cost report of production expenditures. The cost report of12 expenditures shall be subject to an agreed-upon procedures engagement conducted13 by a certified public accountant in accordance with statements on standards for14 attestation engagements established by the American Institute of Certified Public15 Accountants. The accountant shall issue a report in the form of procedures and16 findings. The accountant shall be a certified public accountant licensed in the state17 of Louisiana and shall be an independent third party unrelated to the company. The18 agreed-upon procedures shall be established by the office and secretary, with19 assistance from the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants. The20 department may request additional audits of the project expenditures, the cost of21 which shall be borne by the company.22 (c) Upon completion of all or a portion of a state-certified production, the23 office shall review the production expenses and, if approved by the office and24 secretary, issue a final rebate certification letter to the company. The certification25 letter shall include the identifying number assigned to that state-certified production26 in the initial certification.27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 46 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (d) As a condition for receiving certification of rebates under this Section,1 state-certified productions may be required to display the state brand or logo, or both,2 as prescribed by the secretary.3 F. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any investments or4 expenditures that qualify for rebates under R.S. 47:6007.5 G. A applicant shall not receive any other incentive administered by the6 Department of Economic Development for any expenditures for which the applicant7 has received a rebate or tax rebate under this Section.8 H. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions9 of R.S. 47:6360.10 §6372. Rebate; Sound recording investor11 A. Purpose. The primary objective of this Section is to encourage12 development in Louisiana of a strong capital and infrastructure base for sound13 recording productions in order to achieve a more independent, self-supporting music14 and sound recording industry. This objective is divided into immediate and long-15 term objectives as follows:16 (1) Immediate objectives are to:17 (a) Attract private investment for the production of musical recordings or18 "sound recordings" in Louisiana.19 (b) Develop a tax and capital infrastructure which encourages private20 investment. This tax infrastructure is to provide for state participation in the form21 of rebates to encourage investment in state-certified sound recording productions and22 infrastructure.23 (c) Develop a tax infrastructure utilizing rebates which encourage24 investments in multiple state-certified production projects.25 (2) Long-term objectives are to:26 (a) Encourage increased employment opportunities within this sector and27 increased global competitiveness by fully utilizing economic development options28 within the music and sound recording industries.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 47 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (b) Encourage new education curricula in order to provide a labor force1 trained in all aspects of sound recording production.2 (c) Encourage the development of a Louisiana sound recording production3 infrastructure with state-of-the-art facilities.4 B. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section:5 (1) "Base investment" shall mean the actual investment made and expended6 in the state by a state-certified production as production-related costs or as capital7 costs of a state-certified sound recording infrastructure project.8 (2) "Expended in the state" or an "expenditure in the state" means an9 expenditure to acquire property from a source within the state which is subject to10 state sales or use tax, or an expenditure as compensation for services performed11 within the state which is subject to state income tax.12 (3) "Production expenditures" shall mean all expenditures in this state13 directly relating to a state certified production, including musician fees, artist fees,14 lodging expenses, equipment rental expenses, per diems, studio and engineering fees,15 costs of mastering, remastering, producing and, mixing.16 (4) "Related party transaction" shall mean a transaction between parties17 deemed to b e related by common ownership or control, under generally accepted18 auditing principles. Related party transaction expenditures may be subject to19 limitations as provided for by rules promulgated by the department in accordance20 with the Administrative Procedure Act.21 (5) "Sound recording" means any recording of sound used or is useful in the22 recording or producing of records for commercial release, including a recording of23 music, poetry, or spoken-word made in Louisiana, in whole or in part, mixing or24 mastering is an eligible component of production if such activities are performed in25 Louisiana irrespective of location or other production activities. The term "sound26 recording" shall not include the audio portions of dialogue or words spoken and27 recorded as part of television news coverage or athletic events.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 48 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (6) "Sound recording production company" shall mean a company engaged1 in the business of producing sound recordings as defined in this Section. Sound2 recording production company shall not mean or include any person or company, or3 any company owned, affiliated, or controlled, in whole or in part, by any company4 or person, which is in default on a loan made by the state or a loan guaranteed by the5 state, nor which has ever declared bankruptcy under which an obligation of the6 company or person to pay or repay public funds or monies was discharged as a part7 of such bankruptcy.8 (7) "State-certified production" means a sound recording production, or a9 series of productions occurring over the course of a twelve-month period, and base10 investment related to such production or productions that are approved by the11 Louisiana Department of Economic Development within one hundred eighty days12 of the receipt by the Department of Economic Development of a complete13 application for initial certification of a production. If the production is not approved14 within one hundred eighty days, the Department of Economic Development shall15 provide a written report to the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and16 the House Committee on Ways and Means which states the reason that the17 production has not been approved.18 C. Investor rebate; state-certified productions and infrastructure projects.19 (1) Until January 1, 2019, there is hereby authorized a rebate for investments20 made in state-certified productions. The rebate shall be earned by investors at the21 time expenditures are certified by the Louisiana Department of Economic22 Development according to the total base investment certified for the sound recording23 production company per calendar year; however, no rebate shall be allowed under24 this Section for any expenditures for which a rebate was granted under R.S. 47:6365.25 For state-certified productions certified on and after July 1, 2007, if the total base26 investment is greater than fifteen thousand dollars, each investor shall be allowed a27 rebate of twenty-five percent of the base investment made by that investor.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 49 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) Sound recording investor rebates associated with a state-certified1 production shall never exceed the total base investment in that production or sound2 recording infrastructure project.3 (3) Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, the aggregate amount of4 rebates certified for all investors pursuant to this Section during any calendar year5 shall not exceed three million dollars.6 (a) An application for initial certification of a project shall be submitted to7 the Louisiana Department of Economic Development prior to the granting of the8 rebate, and the granting of rebates under this Section shall be on a first-come, first-9 served basis. The secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development10 shall determine through the promulgation of rules the administration of the annual11 aggregate maximum. In addition, these rules shall be approved by the House12 Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal13 Affairs in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.14 (b) If the total amount of rebates applied for in any particular year exceeds15 the aggregate amount of rebates allowed for that year, the excess will be treated as16 having been applied for on the first day of the subsequent year.17 D. Certification and administration.18 (1) The secretary of the Department of Economic Development shall19 determine through the adoption and promulgation of rules which projects and20 expenditures, qualify according to this Section. In addition, these rules shall be21 approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee22 on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs in accordance with the provisions of the23 Administrative Procedure Act. When determining which projects qualify, the24 Louisiana Department of Economic Development shall take the following factors25 into consideration:26 (a) The impact of the production on the immediate and long-term objectives27 of this Section.28 (b) The impact of the production on the employment of Louisiana residents.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 50 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (c) The impact of the production on the overall economy of the state.1 (2)(a) Application. An applicant for the sound recording investor rebate2 shall submit an application for initial certification to the Louisiana Department of3 Economic Development that includes the following information:4 (i) For state-certified productions the application shall include:5 (aa) The distribution plan.6 (bb) A preliminary budget including estimated Louisiana payroll and7 estimated base investment.8 (cc) A description of the type of sound to be recorded.9 (dd) A list of the principal creative elements including performing artist(s)10 and producer.11 (ee) The name and address of the recording studio or other location where12 the recording production will take place.13 (ff) A statement that the production will qualify as a state-certified14 production.15 (gg) Estimated start and completion dates.16 (ii) For state-certified sound recording infrastructure projects the application17 shall include:18 (aa) A detailed description of the infrastructure project.19 (bb) A preliminary budget.20 (cc) A statement that the project meets the definition of a state-certified21 infrastructure project.22 (dd) Estimated start and completion dates.23 (b) If the application is incomplete, additional information may be requested24 prior to further action by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.25 (c) The Louisiana Department of Economic Development shall submit its26 initial certification of a project as a state-certified production or a state-certified27 sound recording infrastructure project to investors and to the secretary of the28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 51 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Department of Revenue. The initial certification shall include a unique identifying1 number for each state-certified production.2 (d) Prior to any certification of the state-certified production, the sound3 recording production company shall submit to the Louisiana Department of4 Economic Development a cost report of production or project expenditures which5 the Louisiana Department of Economic Development may require to be prepared by6 an independent certified public accountant. The Louisiana Department of Economic7 Development shall review such expenditures and shall issue a rebate certification8 letter to the investors indicating the amount of rebates certified for the state-certified9 production or state-certified infrastructure project.10 (3) The secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development,11 in consultation with the Department of Revenue, shall adopt and promulgate such12 rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this13 Section in accordance with the general guidelines provided herein.14 (4) Any applicant applying for the rebate shall be required to reimburse the15 Louisiana Department of Economic Development for any audits required in relation16 to granting the rebate.17 (5) With input from the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Louisiana Department18 of Economic Development shall prepare a written report to be submitted to the19 House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and20 Fiscal Affairs no less than sixty days prior to the start of the Regular Session of the21 Legislature in 2007, and every second year thereafter. The report shall include the22 overall impact of the rebates, the amount of the rebates issued, the number of new23 jobs created, the amount of Louisiana payroll created, the economic impact of the24 rebates and sound recording industry, the amount of new infrastructure that has been25 developed in the state, and any other factors that describe the impact of the program.26 E. After certification, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development27 shall submit the rebate certification letter to the Department of Revenue on behalf28 of the investor who earned the sound recording rebates. The Department of Revenue29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 52 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. may require the investor to submit additional information as may be necessary to1 administer the provisions of this Section. Upon receipt of the rebate certification2 letter and any necessary additional information, the secretary of the Department of3 Revenue shall make payment to the investor in the amount to which he is entitled4 from the current collections of the taxes collected pursuant to Chapter 1 of Subtitle5 II of this Title, as amended.6 F. Brand. As a condition for receiving certification of rebates under this7 Section, state-certified productions may be required to display the state brand or8 logo, or both, as prescribed by the secretary of the Department of Economic9 Development.10 G. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions11 of R.S. 47:6360.12 §6373. Rebate; Musical and theatrical productions13 A. Purpose. It is the intention of the legislature in creating these five14 different types of rebates: a rebate for qualified production expenditures made from15 investments in a state-certified musical or theatrical production; a rebate for the16 construction, repair, or renovation of facilities related to such productions and17 performances; a rebate for qualified transportation costs for performance-related18 property; a rebate for the payroll of Louisiana residents employed in connection with19 a state-certified musical or theatrical production; and a rebate for employing college,20 university, and vocational-technical students employed in connection with a state-21 certified musical or theatrical production, to establish and promote Louisiana as one22 of the primary places in the United States in which live performances, from creation23 to presentation are present and thriving. The live performance industry will enhance24 economic development because it fits well with the state's reputation as a tourist25 destination, will offer numerous and varied employment opportunities, and in26 conjunction with the available federal and state incentives, will be an attraction for27 new and relocating businesses and will provide for the reinventing of countless28 abandoned properties as either performance or rehearsal spaces. The live29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 53 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. performance industry will also spur educational development: Louisiana colleges,1 universities, and vocational-technical schools will be able to offer talented2 undergraduate and graduate students from this state, other states, and around the3 world a real-world opportunity to participate in degree programs across the state that4 work on the various productions in accounting, law, management, and marketing and5 to fill arts-related positions such as actors, writers, producers, stagehands, and6 directors, as well as technicians working on all aspects of the production such as7 lighting, sound, and actual stage production and operations.8 B. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section:9 (1) "Base investment" means the actual investment made and expended in10 this state by a state-certified musical or theatrical production as production-related11 costs or as capital costs of a state-certified musical or theatrical facility infrastructure12 project.13 (2) "Company" or "financier" means any individual, firm, partnership,14 limited liability company, joint venture, association, corporation, estate, trust, or15 other entity, group, or combination acting as a unit, and the plural as well as the16 singular number.17 (3) "Expended in the state" or "expenditures in the state" means an18 expenditure to acquire or lease immovable property located in the state, an19 expenditure to acquire movable property from a source within the state which is20 subject to state sales and use tax, or an expenditure as compensation for services21 performed within the state.22 (4) "Musical or theatrical production" means the producing, rehearsing,23 marketing, administration, recording, performing, and/or filming of a live musical24 or theatrical performance in the state before live audiences, the costs of which are not25 certified for other rebates provided for in Louisiana law, whether or not there is a26 charge for admission. Such performances shall include, but not be limited to drama,27 comedy, comedy revue, opera, ballet, jazz, cabaret, and variety entertainment.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 54 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (5) "Payroll" means all salary, wages, and other compensation, including1 related benefits for services performed in Louisiana. For applications received on2 or after August 1, 2013, payroll expenditures shall be limited to one million dollars3 per person, per state certified production for each employee reported on a Form W2.4 Payments made to loan out companies or independent contractors reported on a Form5 1099 shall also be subject to a limitation of one million dollars, per person, per state6 certified production.7 (6)(a) "Production expenditures" means a contemporaneous exchange of8 cash or cash equivalent for goods or services related to development, production, or9 operating expenditures in this state for a state-certified musical or theatrical10 production, including but not limited to expenditures for set construction and11 operation, including special and visual effects, costumes, wardrobes, make-up,12 accessories, costs associated with sound, lighting, staging, payroll, and other related13 costs.14 (b) "Production expenditures" shall not include any indirect costs, any15 expenditures later reimbursed by a third party, and costs related to the transfer of the16 rebates, or any amounts that are paid to persons or entities as a result of their17 participation in profits from the exploitation of the production.18 (7)(a) "Resident" or "resident of Louisiana" means a natural person and, for19 the purpose of determining eligibility for the tax incentives provided by this Section,20 a person who qualifies for any of the following reasons:21 (i) The person is domiciled in the state of Louisiana.22 (ii) The person maintains a permanent place of abode within the state and23 spends in the aggregate more than six months of each year within the state.24 (iii) The person pays taxes to the state on the amount of money paid to such25 person for which a rebate is sought pursuant to this Section.26 (b) A company owned or controlled by such a person and which lends the27 services of such a person for a state-certified musical or theatrical production shall28 also be deemed a resident if such company is organized or authorized to do business29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 55 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. in the state and such company pays taxes to the state on the amount of money paid1 to such company for such services of such person.2 (8) "State-certified musical or theatrical facility infrastructure project" or3 "state-certified infrastructure project" means a capital infrastructure project in the4 state directly related to the production or performance of musical or theatrical5 productions as defined in this Section, and movable and immovable property and6 equipment related thereto, or any other facility which supports and is a necessary7 component of such facility, and any expenditures in the state related to the8 construction, repair, or renovation of such project, which are certified, verified, and9 approved as provided for in this Section.10 (9)(a) "State-certified musical or theatrical production" means a musical or11 theatrical production, or a series of productions occurring over the course of a12 twelve-month period, and the recording or filming of such production, which13 originate, are developed, or have their initial public performance before an audience14 within Louisiana, or which have their United States debut within Louisiana, and the15 production expenditures, expenditures for the payroll of residents, transportation16 expenditures, and expenditures for employing college and vocational-technical17 students related to such production or productions, that are certified, verified, and18 approved as provided for in this Section. Non-qualifying projects include, but are19 not limited to non-touring music and cultural festivals, industry seminars, and trade20 shows.21 (b) A "state-certified musical or theatrical production" which shall be22 eligible for recertification and the rebate provided for in this Section shall include a23 previously certified musical or theatrical production which received a rebate24 pursuant to this Section, and which is otherwise eligible pursuant to this Section,25 which returns for performances within the state after being performed on Broadway.26 (10)(a) "Transportation expenditures" means expenditures for the packaging,27 crating, and transportation both to the state for use in a state-certified musical or28 theatrical production of sets, costumes, or other tangible property constructed or29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 56 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. manufactured out of state, and/or from the state after use in a state-certified musical1 or theatrical production of sets, costumes, or other tangible property constructed or2 manufactured in this state. Such term shall include the packaging, crating, and3 transporting of property and equipment used for special and visual effects, sound,4 lighting, and staging, costumes, wardrobes, make-up and related accessories and5 materials, as well as any other performance or production-related property and6 equipment; provided that transportation services are purchased through a company7 which has a significant business presence in the state.8 (b) "Transportation expenditures" shall not include any costs to transport9 property and equipment to be used only for filming and not in a state-certified10 production, any indirect costs, any expenditures that are later reimbursed by a third11 party, or any amounts that are paid to persons or entities as a result of their12 participation in profits from the exploitation of the production.13 C. Income rebates for state-certified productions and state-certified musical14 or theatrical facility infrastructure projects:15 (1) There is hereby authorized the following types of rebates against the state16 income tax:17 (a)(i)(aa) A base investment rebate may be granted for certified, verified, and18 approved production expenditures for a state-certified musical or theatrical19 production, or for investments made by a company or a financier in such production20 which are, in turn, expended for such production expenditures.21 (bb) The initial certification shall be effective for a period of twelve months22 prior to and twelve months after the date of initial certification.23 (ii)(aa) A base investment rebate may be granted for expenditures made on24 or before January 1, 2014, for the construction, repair, or renovation of a state-25 certified musical or theatrical facility infrastructure project, or for investments made26 by a company or a financier in such infrastructure project which are, in turn,27 expended on or before January 1, 2014, for such construction, repair, or renovation,28 not to exceed ten million dollars per state-certified infrastructure project, under29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 57 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. conditions provided for in this Item. No more than sixty million dollars in rebates1 under this Section shall be granted for infrastructure projects per year.2 (bb) If all or a portion of an infrastructure project is a facility which may be3 used for other purposes not directly related to the production or performance of4 musical or theatrical production activities, then the project shall be approved only if5 a determination is made that the multiple-use facility will support and will be6 necessary to secure musical or theatrical production activities for the musical or7 theatrical production or performance facility and the applicant provides sufficient8 contractual assurances that:9 (I) The facility will be used for the production or performance of musical or10 theatrical production activities, or as a support and component thereof, for the useful11 life of the facility.12 (II) No rebates shall be earned on such multiple-use facilities until the13 facility directly used in musical or theatrical productions or performances is14 complete.15 (cc) Rebates for infrastructure projects shall be earned only as follows:16 (I) Construction of the infrastructure project shall begin within six months17 of the initial certification provided for in Subparagraph (E)(1)(d) of this Section.18 (II) Expenditures shall be certified, verified, and approved as provided for19 in this Section, and rebates are not earned until such certification.20 (III) Twenty-five percent of the total base investment provided for in the21 initial certification of an infrastructure project pursuant to Subparagraph (E)(1)(d)22 of this Section shall be certified, verified, and approved as expended before any23 rebates may be earned.24 (IV) No rebate shall be allowed for expenditures made for any infrastructure25 project two years after its initial certification pursuant to Subparagraph (E)(1)(d) of26 this Section, unless fifty percent of total base investment provided for in the initial27 certification of the project pursuant to such Subparagraph has been expended prior28 to that time. The expenditures may be finally certified at a later date.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 58 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (dd) The initial certification may require the rebates to be taken and/or1 transferred in the tax period in which the rebate is earned or the rebates may be2 structured in the initial certification of the project to provide that only a portion of3 the rebate be taken over the course of two or more tax years.4 (iii) Except as limited for state-certified infrastructure projects as provided5 for in this Subparagraph, the base investment rebate shall be for the following6 amounts:7 (aa) If the total base investment is greater than one hundred thousand dollars8 and less than or equal to three hundred thousand dollars, a company shall be allowed9 a rebate of ten percent of the base investment made by that company.10 (bb) If the total base investment is greater than three hundred thousand11 dollars and less than or equal to one million dollars, a company shall be allowed a12 rebate of twenty percent of the base investment made by that company.13 (cc) If the total base investment is greater than one million dollars, a14 company shall be allowed a rebate of twenty-five percent of the base investment15 made by that company.16 (b) Because the legislature hereby determines that the state lacks the17 facilities and services necessary to provide adequate resources for the construction18 of sets, costumes, and related property needed for productions and performances in19 the state, an additional transportation expenditure rebate shall be allowed for the20 following percentages of certified, verified, and approved transportation expenditures21 as defined in Paragraph (B)(10) of this Section; provided that transportation services22 are purchased through a company which has a significant business presence in the23 state:24 (i) One hundred percent of such amounts incurred through calendar year25 2010.26 (ii) Fifty percent of such amounts incurred during the calendar year 2011.27 (iii) Twenty-five percent of such amounts incurred during the calendar year28 2012.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 59 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (iv) No such transportation expenses incurred after December 31, 2012, shall1 be eligible for such rebate.2 (c) An additional rebate of one tenth of one percent of the amount expended3 to employ students enrolled in Louisiana colleges, universities, and vocational-4 technical schools in a state certified musical or theatrical production in arts-related5 positions, such as an actor, writer, producer, stagehand, or director, or as a technician6 working on aspects of the production such as lighting, sound, and actual stage work,7 or working indirectly on the production in accounting, law, management, and8 marketing.9 (d) To the extent that base investment is expended on payroll for Louisiana10 residents employed in connection with a state-certified musical or theatrical11 production, except for the students provided for in Subparagraph (c) of this12 Paragraph, or the construction of a state-certified musical or theatrical facility13 infrastructure project, a company shall be allowed an additional rebate of ten percent14 of such payroll; however, if the amount paid to any one person exceeds one million15 dollars, the additional rebate shall not include any amount paid to that person that16 exceeds one million dollars.17 (e) If all or a portion of an infrastructure project is a facility which may be18 used for purposes unrelated to live performance production or production-related19 activities, then the proposed base investment shall be approved only if the secretary20 of the Department of Economic Development determines that:21 (i) The multiple-use facility will support and be necessary to secure live22 performance production activity for the project; and23 (ii) The applicant provides sufficient contractual assurance that the project,24 including any multiple-use portion thereof, will be used as a live performance25 production facility, or as a support and component thereof, for the useful life of the26 facility.27 (2)(a) The rebates shall be earned each calendar year to the extent the28 Louisiana Department of Economic Development verifies in writing that29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 60 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. expenditures qualifying for a rebate pursuant to this Section have been expended for1 the calendar year in accordance with the estimates of such expenditures for the2 calendar year set forth in the certification of the production or project.3 (b) No rebate shall be allowed under this Section for any expenditure for4 which a financier receives a rebate pursuant to this Section, or for which a rebate is5 granted under R.S. 47:6007 or 6023. In addition, a state-certified production or6 state-certified infrastructure project which receives rebates pursuant to the provisions7 of this Chapter shall not be eligible to receive the rebates provided for in R.S.8 51:2451 through 2461 in connection with the activity for which the rebates were9 received.10 (3) Rebates associated with a state-certified musical or theatrical production11 or a state-certified musical or theatrical facility infrastructure project shall never12 exceed the total base investment in that production or infrastructure project and13 transportation expenditures.14 (4) The granting of rebates under this Section shall be on a first-come, first-15 served basis. If the total amount of rebates applied for in any particular year exceeds16 the aggregate amount of rebates allowed for that year, the excess shall be treated as17 having been applied for on the first day of the subsequent year.18 D. Certification and administration:19 (1)(a)(i) The secretary of the Department of Economic Development shall20 determine which musical or theatrical productions and which musical or theatrical21 facility infrastructure projects shall be certified pursuant to this Section through the22 adoption and promulgation of rules by the Department of Economic Development.23 The rules shall also provide for all of the following:24 (aa) The minimum criteria for such certification.25 (bb) The manner in which the department shall decide which expenditures26 for such productions or infrastructure projects will qualify for the rebates provided27 for in this Section.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 61 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (cc) An appeals process in the event that an application for or the1 certification of a production or infrastructure project, or an expenditure related to2 such production or project, is denied.3 (ii) In addition, these rules shall be approved by the House Committee on4 Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs in5 accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. No rebates6 shall be granted under this Section until adoption of such rules.7 (b) State certification shall not be granted to a production or infrastructure8 project by any person or company, or financed by any person or company, or any9 company or financier owned, affiliated, or controlled, in whole or in part, by any10 company or person, which is in default on a loan made by the state or a loan11 guaranteed by the state, or which has ever declared bankruptcy under which an12 obligation of the company or person to pay or repay public funds or monies was13 discharged as a part of such bankruptcy.14 (c) When determining which musical or theatrical productions or musical or15 theatrical facility infrastructure projects qualify for certification, the Department of16 Economic Development shall take the following factors into consideration:17 (i) The contribution of the production or infrastructure project to establishing18 the state as a leader in the live performance industry.19 (ii) The impact of the production or infrastructure project on the employment20 of Louisiana residents.21 (iii) The extent to which students in Louisiana colleges, universities, and22 vocational-technical schools will have an opportunity to work in a production in an23 arts-related position, such as an actor, writer, producer, stagehand, or director, or as24 a technician working on aspects of the production such as lighting, sound, and actual25 stage work, or working indirectly on the production in accounting, law, management,26 and marketing.27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 62 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (iv) The impact of the production or infrastructure project on the overall1 economy of the state including the manner in which available federal and state2 incentives will be utilized in the financing or operation of the infrastructure project.3 (v) The availability and kind of musical or theatrical facilities within the area4 in which a musical or theatrical facility infrastructure project is proposed.5 (d) Upon approval the Department of Economic Development shall initially6 certify a production or project as a state-certified production or state-certified7 infrastructure project and send notice of such certification to the applicant and to the8 secretary of the Department of Revenue. The initial certification shall include all of9 the following:10 (i) The total base investment to be expended on the state-certified production11 or the state-certified infrastructure project.12 (ii) The companies and financiers to whom the rebates shall be allocated.13 (iii) The estimated amounts of the rebates to be allocated to each.14 (iv) In the case of state-certified infrastructure projects, when such rebates15 may be taken or transferred.16 (v) A unique identifying number for the state-certified production or state-17 certified infrastructure project.18 (e) Prior to the final certification of a production or infrastructure project, the19 applicant shall submit to the Department of Economic Development a report of the20 final amount of expenditures qualifying for rebates pursuant to this Section, which21 report the Department of Economic Development may require to be prepared by an22 independent certified public accountant. The Department of Economic Development23 shall review the report and shall issue a final rebate certification letter, certifying the24 applicant and indicating the type and amount of rebates for which the applicant or25 other companies or financiers are eligible pursuant to this Section.26 (f) An applicant applying for the rebates shall be required to reimburse the27 Department of Economic Development for any audits required in relation to granting28 the certification or rebates.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 63 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2)(a) Application. An applicant for the rebate shall submit an application1 for initial certification to the Department of Economic Development that includes the2 following information:3 (i) The application for state-certified productions shall include:4 (aa) An application fee received by the Department of Economic5 Development based on the following:6 (I) Two tenths of one percent times the estimated total incentive rebates.7 (II) The minimum application fee shall not be less than two hundred dollars,8 and the maximum application fee shall not be more than five thousand dollars.9 (III) The application fee shall be deposited upon receipt in the state treasury.10 After compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the11 Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund and12 prior to any money being placed into the general fund or any other fund, an amount13 equal to that deposited as required by this Item shall be rebated by the treasurer to14 a special fund which is hereby created in the state treasury to be known as the15 Entertainment Promotion and Marketing Fund.16 (IV) The money in the fund shall be appropriated by the legislature to be17 used solely for promotion and marketing of Louisiana's entertainment industry. The18 money in the fund shall be invested by the treasurer in the same manner as money19 in the state general fund and interest earned on the investment of the money shall be20 rebated to the fund after compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section21 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption22 Fund. All unexpended and unencumbered money in the fund at the end of the year23 shall remain in the fund.24 (bb) A preliminary budget including estimated Louisiana payroll, estimated25 transportation expenditures, and estimated base investment, including the manner in26 which available federal and state incentives will be utilized in the financing or27 operation of the production.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 64 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (cc) A general description of the production and performance which may,1 at the request of the department, include the book, libretto, score, or concept, and2 plans for recording and/or filming such production.3 (dd) A list of the principal creative elements including the cast, musicians,4 headline performers, conductor, producer, or director.5 (ee) A possibility of offering students in Louisiana colleges, universities, and6 vocational-technical schools an opportunity to work directly in the production in an7 arts-related position, including a description of possible job or trainee positions8 working with professional actors, writers, producers, stagehands, directors, or9 technicians working on all aspects of the production such as lighting, sound, and10 actual stage work, or working indirectly on the production with professionals in11 accounting, law, management, and marketing.12 (ff) Estimated dates for start and completion of rehearsals before paid13 performances and the estimated dates of performances in the state.14 (gg) Plans, if any, for a national tour or for any performances in other states.15 (hh) The companies and financiers to whom the rebates shall be allocated16 and the estimated amounts of the rebates to be allocated to each.17 (ii) A discussion of any other reasons why the applicant believes the18 production should be considered a state-certified production as defined in this19 Section.20 (iii) The application for state-certified musical or theatrical facility21 infrastructure projects shall include:22 (aa) An application fee received by the Department of Economic23 Development based on the following:24 (I) Two tenths of one percent times the estimated total incentive rebates.25 (II) The minimum application fee shall not be less than two hundred dollars,26 and the maximum application fee shall not be more than five thousand dollars.27 (III) The application fee shall be deposited upon receipt in the state treasury.28 After compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 65 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund and1 prior to any money being placed into the general fund or any other fund, an amount2 equal to that deposited as required by this Item shall be rebated by the treasurer to3 a special fund known as the Entertainment Promotion and Marketing Fund.4 (IV) The money in the fund shall be appropriated by the legislature to be5 used solely for promotion and marketing of Louisiana's entertainment industry. The6 money in the fund shall be invested by the treasurer in the same manner as money7 in the state general fund and interest earned on the investment of the money shall be8 rebated to the fund after compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section9 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption10 Fund. All unexpended and unencumbered money in the fund at the end of the year11 shall remain in the fund.12 (bb) A detailed description of the infrastructure project.13 (cc) A preliminary budget, including the manner in which available federal14 and state incentives will be utilized in the financing or operation of the infrastructure15 project.16 (dd) The companies and financiers to whom the rebates shall be allocated17 and the estimated amounts of the rebates to be allocated to each.18 (ee) A complete, detailed business plan and market analysis.19 (b) Additional information may be requested if deemed necessary by the20 Department of Economic Development.21 (3) In addition to the rules and regulations provided for in Subparagraph22 (E)(1)(a) of this Section, the secretary of the Department of Economic Development,23 in consultation with the Department of Revenue, shall adopt and promulgate such24 other rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of25 this Section in accordance with the general guidelines provided herein.26 E. The Department of Economic Development shall prepare, with input from27 the Legislative Fiscal Office, a written report to be submitted to the Senate28 Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and the House of Representatives29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 66 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Committee on Ways and Means no less than sixty days prior to the start of the1 Regular Session of the Legislature in 2008, and every second year thereafter. The2 report shall include the overall impact of the rebates, the amount of the rebates3 issued, the number of net new jobs created, the amount of Louisiana payroll created,4 the economic impact of the rebates and the state-certified musical and theatrical5 productions and infrastructure projects, the amount of new infrastructure that has6 been developed in the state, and any other factors that describe the impact of the7 program.8 F. Fifty percent of the rebates annually granted according to the provisions9 of this Section for infrastructure projects shall be reserved for projects located10 outside of Jefferson and Orleans parishes, provided that the availability of rebates for11 infrastructure projects in Jefferson and Orleans parishes shall not be conditioned12 upon the granting of infrastructure rebates for projects outside of those parishes.13 G. Brand. As a condition for receiving certification of rebates under this14 Section, state-certified productions and infrastructure projects may be required to15 display the state brand or logo, or both, as prescribed by the secretary of the16 Department of Economic Development.17 H. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions18 of R.S. 47:6360.19 §6374. Rebate; Ports of Louisiana20 A. Purpose.21 The primary purpose of this Section is to encourage private investment in and22 the use of state port facilities in Louisiana. Because public funding sources for ports23 and port infrastructure facilities have not kept pace with the need to expand our ports24 and port facilities, it is determined that private investment and public-private25 partnerships should be encouraged as a means to assist the state in financing26 improvements to our state ports and port infrastructure facilities. The development,27 improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the state's ports and port infrastructure28 facilities, and the utilization of public port facilities for the import and export of their29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 67 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. cargo to or from distribution, manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, processing, or1 warehousing sites in Louisiana, are essential to Louisiana's economic health and the2 ability of business and industry associated with the maritime industry to compete3 cost effectively on a regional, national, and global scale.4 B. Definitions.5 For purposes of this Section, the following words shall have the following6 meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:7 (1) "Breakbulk cargo" shall mean machinery, equipment, materials,8 products, or commodities, including but not limited to palletized or unpalletized9 bagged, packaged, wrapped, drummed, baled, or crated goods and commodities.10 Breakbulk cargo shall mean offshore drilling platforms and equipment. Breakbulk11 cargo shall not include any liquid or dry commodities that are handled in bulk.12 (2) "Capital costs" shall mean and include all costs and expenses incurred13 by one or more investing companies in connection with the acquisition, construction,14 installation, and equipping of a qualifying project during the period commencing15 with the date on which the acquisition, construction, installation, and equipping16 commences and ending on the date on which the qualifying project is placed in17 service. Capital costs shall include, but not be limited to the following:18 (a) The costs of acquiring, constructing, installing, equipping, and financing19 a qualifying project, including all obligations incurred for labor and to contractors,20 subcontractors, builders, and materialmen.21 (b) The costs of acquiring land or rights in land and any cost incidental22 thereto, including recording fees.23 (c) The costs of contract bonds and of insurance of any kind that may be24 required or necessary during the acquisition, construction, or installation of a25 qualifying project.26 (d) The costs of architectural and engineering services, including test27 borings, surveys, estimates, plans, and specifications, preliminary investigations,28 environmental mitigation, and supervision of construction, as well as for the29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 68 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. performance of all the duties required by or consequent upon the acquisition,1 construction, and installation of a qualifying project.2 (e) The costs associated with installation of fixtures and equipment; surveys,3 including archaeological and environmental surveys; site tests and inspections;4 subsurface site work; excavation; removal of structures, roadways, cemeteries, and5 other surface obstructions; filling, grading, paving, and provisions for drainage,6 storm water retention, installation of utilities, including water, sewerage treatment,7 gas, electricity, communications, and similar facilities; off-site construction of utility8 extensions to the boundaries of the property.9 (f) All other costs of a nature comparable to those described, including but10 not limited to all project costs required to be capitalized for federal income tax11 purposes pursuant to the provisions of 26 U.S.C. §263(A).12 (g) Costs otherwise defined as capital costs incurred by the investing13 company where the investing company is the lessee under a lease that contains a14 term of not less than five years and is characterized as a capital lease for federal15 income tax purposes. Capital costs shall not include property owned or leased by the16 investing company or a related party before the commencement of the acquisition,17 construction, installation, or equipping of the qualified project unless such property18 was physically located outside the state for a period of at least one year prior to the19 date on which the qualifying project was placed in service.20 (3) "Containerized cargo" shall mean any machinery, equipment, materials,21 products, or commodities including but not limited to containers which are rigid,22 sealed, reusable metal boxes in which merchandise is shipped by vessel, truck, or23 rail.24 (4) "Import cargo" and "export cargo" shall mean any breakbulk or25 containerized cargo brought to the state of Louisiana from a foreign country or from26 the state of Louisiana to a foreign country.27 (5) "International business entity" shall mean a applicant corporation,28 partnership, limited liability company, or other commercial entity, all or a portion of29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 69 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. whose activities involve the import or export of breakbulk or containerized cargo to1 or from manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, distribution, processing, or2 warehousing facilities located within Louisiana.3 (6) "Investing company" shall mean and include any corporation,4 partnership, limited liability company, proprietorship, trust, or other business entity,5 regardless of form, making a qualified investment.6 (7) "Oceangoing vessel" shall mean any vessel, ship, barge, or watercraft that7 floats, including offshore oil exploration platforms.8 (8) "Port or port and harbor activity" shall mean and include any trade or9 business described in the 1997 North American Industry Classification System10 (NAICS) within Subsector 493 (Warehousing and Storage), Industry Number11 488310 (Port and Harbor Operations), or Industry Number 488320 (Marine Cargo12 Handling), when the trade or business is conducted on premises in which a duly13 recognized port authority has an ownership, leasehold, or other possessory interest14 and such premises are used as part of the operations of a duly recognized port15 authority, including the above trades and businesses as they may hereafter be16 reclassified in any subsequent publication of the NAICS or similar classification17 system developed in conjunction with the United States Department of Commerce18 and Office of Management and Budget.19 (9) "Project" shall mean and include any land, building, or other20 improvement, and all real and personal properties deemed necessary or useful in21 connection therewith, whether or not previously in existence, located or to be located22 in a public port of this state.23 (10) "Public port" shall mean any deep-water port commission or port,24 harbor and terminal district as defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution25 of Louisiana, and any other port, harbor, and terminal district established under Title26 34 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.27 (11) "Qualified cargo" shall mean any breakbulk or containerized machinery,28 equipment, materials, products, or commodities owned by an international business29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 70 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. entity which are imported or exported to or from a manufacturing, fabrication,1 assembly, distribution, processing, or warehouse facility located in Louisiana and2 which are so moved by way of an oceangoing vessel berthed at a public port facility3 during the taxable year.4 (12) "Qualifying investment" shall mean and include the undertaking by one5 or more investing companies of a qualifying project.6 (13) "Qualifying project" shall mean and include a project to be sponsored7 or undertaken by a public port and one or more investing companies that have a8 capital cost of not less than five million dollars and at which the predominant trade9 or business activity conducted will constitute industrial, warehousing, or port and10 harbor operations and cargo handling, including any port or port and harbor activity.11 (14) "Ton" shall be a net ton of two thousand pounds and in the case of12 containerized cargo it shall exclude the weight of the container.13 C. Investor rebate.14 (1)(a) There are hereby authorized the following rebates against state income15 and corporate franchise tax:16 (i) An Investor Rebate as provided for in Subsections A through H of this17 Section for the total capital costs of a qualifying project in the manner and according18 to the provisions of those Subsections.19 (ii) An Import Export Cargo Rebate as provided for in Subsection I of this20 Section in the manner and according to the provisions of that Subsection.21 (b) The Investor Rebate provided for in this Subsection shall be issued by the22 Department of Economic Development for a qualifying project if the commissioner23 of administration, after approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget,24 and the state bond commission certifies to the secretary of the department that there25 will be sufficient Revenue received by the state to offset the effect to the state of the26 rebates provided for the capital costs of the project, whether from increased port or27 port and harbor activity because of the grant of the rebate or otherwise. If the28 commissioner with the approval of the committee so certifies, then the Department29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 71 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. of Economic Development may grant a rebate equal to the total capital costs of a1 qualifying project to be taken at five percent per tax year; however, the total amount2 of rebates granted on a qualifying project shall not exceed the total cost of the3 project.4 (c) The Department of Economic Development shall certify capital cost5 expenditures no less than twice during the duration of the qualifying project unless6 the investing company agrees, in writing, to reimburse the Department of Economic7 Development for the costs of any additional certifications.8 (2) Prior to issuance of any rebate pursuant to the provisions of this9 Subsection, a cooperative endeavor agreement shall be fully executed between the10 investing company or entity proposing the qualifying project and the public port in11 whose geographic jurisdiction the proposed qualifying project is to be located12 indicating cooperation and support among all of the parties. Failure to fully execute13 the cooperative endeavor agreement shall render the qualifying project ineligible for14 the rebate authorized by this Subsection.15 D. Certification and administration.16 (1) The secretary of the Department of Economic Development shall17 determine through the promulgation of rules and regulations in accordance with the18 Administrative Procedure Act, which projects and capital cost expenditures,19 including amounts expended in this state on qualifying projects, qualify for rebates.20 The Department of Economic Development shall take the following factors into21 consideration when determining which projects qualify:22 (a) The economic impact of the qualifying project on similar or existing23 publicly owned or privately owned projects located within fifty miles of the24 qualifying project. The Department of Economic Development may require the25 investing company or entity proposing the qualifying project to conduct a public26 meeting, properly noticed in accordance with the open meetings law, in the27 geographic area the proposed project is to be located.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 72 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (b) The impact of the qualifying project on the immediate and long-term1 objectives of the rebate provided for such investment.2 (c) The impact of the qualifying project on the employment of Louisiana3 residents.4 (d) The impact of the qualifying project on the overall economy of the state.5 (e) The availability of similar infrastructure or facilities within fifty miles of6 the proposed qualifying project.7 (2)(a) Application. An applicant for the ports of Louisiana investor rebate8 shall submit an application for initial certification of the qualifying project to the9 Department of Economic Development that includes the following information:10 (i) A preliminary budget including the actual or if not known, the estimated11 capital costs of the qualifying project and the qualifying project's estimated12 Louisiana payroll.13 (ii) A detailed description of the qualifying project.14 (iii) A statement that the proposed project will qualify as a qualifying15 project.16 (iv) Estimated start and completion dates. The estimated start date shall17 include the estimated date on which the acquisition, construction, installation, or18 equipping of the qualifying project was commenced or is expected to commence.19 (v) The name of each investing company, or the name or names of its20 shareholders, partners, members, owners, or beneficiaries to become entitled to the21 rebate.22 (vi) Any other information required by the Department of Economic23 Development.24 (b) If the application is incomplete, additional information may be requested25 prior to further action by the Department of Economic Development.26 (c) The Department of Economic Development shall submit its initial27 certification of a project as a qualifying project to the investing company and to the28 secretary of the Department of Revenue. The initial certification shall include a29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 73 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. unique identifying number for each qualifying project, the total amount of rebates1 issued for the capital costs of the qualifying project, and the amount to be taken at2 five percent per tax year.3 (d) Prior to any certification of a qualifying project, the investing company4 shall submit to the Department of Economic Development a cost report of project5 expenditures which the Department of Economic Development may require to be6 prepared by an independent certified public accountant. Additionally, the7 Department of Transportation and Development shall inspect the construction site8 of the qualifying project and shall verify that the capital costs expenditures for which9 the investing company is applying for rebates has been expended by the investing10 company. The Department of Economic Development shall review such11 expenditures and shall issue a rebate certification letter to the investing company12 indicating the amount of rebates certified for the state-certified qualifying project and13 the amount to be taken at five percent per tax year.14 (3) The secretary of the Department of Economic Development, in15 consultation with the Department of Revenue, shall promulgate rules and regulations16 in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to carry out17 the intent and purposes of the rebate for port investors. All rules promulgated to18 implement the provisions of the rebate for port investors shall be subject to oversight19 and approval by the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Committee20 on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.21 (4) Any applicant applying for the rebate shall be required to reimburse the22 Department of Economic Development for any audit required in relation to granting23 the rebate.24 E. Termination of Investor Rebate.25 The provisions of Subsection C of this Section shall be effective until January26 1, 2017, and no investor rebate pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be27 granted after such date.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 74 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. F. No new employees shall be hired by the Department of Economic1 Development for the implementation of the Investor Rebate provided for in this2 Section.3 G. Import Export Cargo Rebate.4 (1) Certification of applicant. Only those applicants who have received5 certification from the secretary of the Department of Economic Development shall6 be eligible to take the rebates provided for by this Subsection and then only for the7 taxable year or years and for the amount provided for in the commissioner of8 administration's certification, approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the9 Budget and the state bond commission, provided for in Item (2)(a)(ii) of this10 Subsection as allocated by the secretary. The secretary shall promulgate rules in11 accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act which establish the process by12 which a applicant shall apply for certification.13 (a) Applicants eligible for certification include those international business14 entities which provide to the department a verified statement of cargo volume data15 for the calendar year prior to the year of the application, specifically including the16 total annual volume and tons of breakbulk or containerized cargo imported and17 exported from or to, manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, distribution, processing,18 or warehousing facilities located in Louisiana.19 (b) In no event, however, shall an applicant be certified if its exports and20 imports are limited to bulk commodities.21 (c) The secretary shall provide a statement of certification to each applicant22 which he has certified as eligible to take the rebate after approval of the Joint23 Legislative Committee on the Budget and the state bond commission, which shall24 contain the taxable year or years for which the applicant is allowed the rebate and25 the amount of rebate allocated for such taxable year or years. The secretary shall26 also transmit a copy of such statement to the secretary of the Department of27 Revenue.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 75 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2)(a)(i) For taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2009, there shall1 be allowed a rebate for applicants who have received certification pursuant to the2 provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection. The amount of the rebate shall be3 equal to the product of multiplying five dollars by the applicant's number of tons of4 qualified cargo for the taxable year but only for the total amount of the allocation5 provided to the applicant by the secretary of the Department of Economic6 Development for such taxable year.7 (ii) The rebate provided for in this Subsection shall only be allowed for all8 or a portion of a fiscal year if the commissioner of administration certifies to the9 secretary of the Department of Economic Development that there will be sufficient10 revenue received by the state to offset the effect to the state of the rebates provided11 for in this Subsection whether from increased utilization of public port facilities12 because of the rebate or otherwise, and such certification is approved by the Joint13 Legislative Committee on the Budget and the state bond commission.14 H. The Department of Economic Development may promulgate rules and15 regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to16 implement the provisions of this Section subject to oversight by the House ways and17 means and the Senate revenue and fiscal affairs committees.18 I. The rebate provided for in this Section shall be subject to the provisions19 of R.S. 47:6360.20 * * *21 Section 2. R.S. 51:1791, 51:2453(1), (2)(a), (3), (4), (5)(introductory paragraph),22 2458(7), 2454(A), (B)(1)(introductory paragraph), and 2457(A)(1), (B), and (C) and 312123 are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S. 51:1792, 1793, 1794, 2453(8)(g), 2457(D), (E),24 (F) and (G) are hereby enacted to read as follows: 25 §1791. Certain parishes; rural enterprise zones26 Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any parish with27 a population of seventy-five thousand or less according to the latest federal census28 shall be authorized to establish at least one rural enterprise zone and one economic29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 76 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. development zone which do not otherwise qualify for an enterprise zone or an1 economic development zone under the criteria established pursuant to this Chapter2 subject to approval by the department and the Board of Commerce and Industry.3 Any enterprise zone or economic development zone established pursuant to this4 Section shall comply with all other requirements of law as established by this5 Chapter, including but not limited to the provisions of R.S. 51:1785, 1786, and 17876 1792 et seq. insofar as those provisions are otherwise applicable to enterprise zones7 and economic development zones.8 §1792. Enterprise Zone Program Eligibility Requirements9 A. To receive the benefits provided for under this Program, a business shall10 either be located in an enterprise zone or if the business is not located in an11 enterprise zone then, at least fifty percent of its net new employees must meet one12 of the following requirements:13 (1) Reside in an enterprise zone; or 14 (2) Within the thirty day period prior to employment, the employee was15 either receiving assistance under the Family Independence Temporary Assistance16 Program or the Family Assistance Rebate Program, or the employee was considered17 unemployable by traditional standards, due to having no prior work history or job18 training, a felony criminal conviction, a history of being unable to retain employment19 after gaining it, a disability as defined 42 USC §12102, or lack basic skills by virtue20 of exhibiting below a ninth grade level proficiency in reading, writing or math.21 B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, retail22 businesses as defined by the Department of Economic Development with more than23 one hundred employees nationwide including affiliates prior to the contract effective24 date are ineligible to participate in the program unless they are a grocery store or25 pharmacy as defined by the department located in an enterprise zone.26 C. To receive benefits provided under this program, a business must create27 a minimum of five permanent full-time net new jobs within the first two years after28 the effective date of the contract, or the number of permanent full-time net new jobs29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 77 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. equal ten percent of the nationwide employment of the business within the first year1 after the effective date of the contract, whichever is less. For good cause shown, the2 board may grant an extension of not more than two years to comply with the3 foregoing job creation requirements.4 §1793. Benefits under the Enterprise Zone Program Contract5 A. The Board of Commerce and Industry, or its successor, after consultation6 with the secretaries of the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Department of7 Revenue, with the approval of the governor, may enter into a contract with an8 employer complying with the provisions of this Chapter for a period of up to five9 years.10 B. Businesses with an Enterprise Zone Program contract are entitled to the11 following benefits:12 (1) A two thousand five hundred dollar rebate per net new job as determined13 by the company's average annual employment reported under the Louisiana14 Employment Security Law during the taxable year for which credit is claimed; and15 (2) Either of the following:16 (a)(i) A rebate of the sales and use tax imposed by the state and imposed by17 its political subdivisions upon approval of the governing authority of the appropriate18 municipality or the appropriate parish where applicable, or both, and of the19 governing authority of any other political subdivision, including the office of sheriff20 in the case of a law enforcement district, for the following:21 (aa) The use of customer-owned tooling in a compression molding process.22 (bb) Purchases of the material used in the construction of a building, or any23 addition or improvement thereon, for housing any legitimate business enterprise and24 machinery and equipment used in that enterprise.; or25 (b) A project facility expense rebate equal to two and one-half percent of the26 amount of qualified expenditures. For purposes of this Paragraph, the term27 "qualified expenditures" shall mean amounts classified as capital expenditures for28 federal income tax purposes related to the project plus exclusions from capitalization29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 78 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. provided for in Internal Revenue Code Section 263(a)(1)(A) through (L), minus the1 capitalized cost of land, capitalized leases of land, capitalized interest, capitalized2 costs of manufacturing machinery and equipment to the extent the capitalized3 manufacturing machinery and equipment costs are excluded from sales and use tax4 pursuant to R.S. 47:301(3), and the capitalized cost for the purchase of an existing5 building. When a participating business purchases an existing building and capital6 expenditures are used to rehabilitate the building, the costs of the rehabilitation only7 shall be considered qualified expenditures. Additionally, a participating business8 shall be allowed to increase their qualified expenditures to the extent a participating9 business's capitalized basis is properly reduced by claiming a federal credit. A10 qualified business earns the project facility expense rebate in the fiscal year in which11 the project is placed in service but the qualified business may not be issued the12 project facility expense rebate until the Department of Economic Development signs13 a project completion report.14 (3) The state sales and use tax rebate and project facility expense rebate shall15 be limited to one hundred thousand dollars for each net new job created under the16 Enterprise Zone contract as provided by rule.17 C. The rebate provided in Paragraph (1) of Subsection A of this Section shall18 be applicable only to a position within the state that did not previously exist in the19 business enterprise and that is filled by a person who is a citizen of the United States20 and who is domiciled in Louisiana, or who is a citizen of the United States and21 becomes domiciled in Louisiana within sixty days after his employment in such22 position, performing duties in connection with the operation of the business23 enterprise as a regular, full-time employee. The total number of credits allowed to24 a business enterprise for employees who are citizens of the United States and who25 become domiciled in Louisiana within sixty days after employment shall not exceed26 fifty percent of the total number of credits allowed to the business enterprise under27 the contract.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 79 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. D.(1) The request for a rebate of local sales and use tax shall be accompanied1 by an endorsement resolution approved by the governing body of the appropriate2 municipality, parish, port district, industrial development board, or other political3 subdivision or the written approval of the office of sheriff in the case of a law4 enforcement district, in whose jurisdiction the establishment is to be located.5 (2) The endorsement resolution or letter of approval shall be submitted by6 the governing body or sheriff's office within ninety days of receipt of notification7 that the department has received an advance notification to file an application for8 benefits under this Chapter. The department shall notify the appropriate local9 governing body or sheriff's office of receipt of the application.10 (3) If the governing body of the appropriate jurisdiction has not submitted11 an endorsement resolution, written reasons for denial, or a written request for delay12 of consideration of the application, the board may take unilateral action, for the13 rebate of sales and use taxes imposed by the state only, in approving or denying the14 request.15 (4) If there are no local sales and use taxes that can be rebated, as in the16 event that all such taxes are dedicated, no endorsement resolution shall be required17 of a local governing authority before the board considers its application for benefits18 under this Chapter.19 §1794. Issuance and Claim of Benefits20 A. Jobs Incentive Rebate. The Department of Economic Development shall21 annually certify the amount of jobs incentive rebates for a participating business.22 After the Department of Economic Development certifies the amount of the rebate,23 a business shall redeem the rebate with the Department of Revenue.24 B. Sales and Use Tax Rebate. (1) Application for the payment of the rebate25 of state sales and use taxes granted pursuant to this Section shall be filed no later26 than six months after the Department of Economic Development signs a project27 completion report and sends it to the Department of Revenue, the political28 subdivision, and the business, or no later than thirty days after the end of the calendar29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 80 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. year in the case of customer-owned tooling used in a compression molding process.1 The project completion report cannot be signed until the project is complete and the2 contract has been approved by the board and the governor.3 (2) Requests for rebates of state sales and use tax pursuant to this Section4 shall be processed by the Department of Revenue as follows:5 (a) A properly completed rebate request shall be submitted to the Department6 of Revenue on forms provided by the Department of Revenue. A properly7 completed rebate request shall mean a rebate request that includes the general8 information required on the face of the request, a certification from the Department9 of Economic Development stating the number of net new jobs created, a copy of the10 executed incentive contract, a copy of each invoice over fifteen thousand dollars, is11 signed, and all required schedules. The request shall be submitted electronically12 unless the secretary of the Department of Revenue grants permission to submit the13 request in an alternate form.14 (b) Within ten business days of the receipt of a properly completed rebate15 request, the Department of Revenue shall rebate eighty percent of the total amount16 claimed for rebate in the rebate request. Within three months of the date of filing the17 rebate request, the Department of Revenue shall audit the rebate request. During18 such three-month period, the Department of Revenue shall disallow items19 determined to be ineligible for rebate. Within ten business days following the20 expiration of such three-month period, the Department of Revenue shall rebate the21 remaining twenty percent of the amount claimed on the rebate request less any22 amounts properly disallowed during the three-month audit period. The Department23 of Revenue shall make such rebates from the current collections of the taxes24 collected pursuant to Chapter 2, Chapter 2-A, or Chapter 2-B of Subtitle II of Title25 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any sales and use tax26 rebate issued shall be subject to subsequent audit by the Department of Revenue, and27 any rebate amount determined to be in excess of that which should have been28 allowed shall be subject to collection by the Department of Revenue.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 81 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. C. Project Facility Expense Rebate. (1) Application for the payment of the1 project facility expense rebate provided for pursuant to this Section shall be filed no2 later than six months after the Department of Economic Development signs a project3 completion report and sends it to the Department of Revenue, the political4 subdivision, and the business, or no later than thirty days after the end of the calendar5 year in the case of customer-owned tooling used in a compression molding process.6 The project completion report cannot be signed until the project is complete and the7 contract has been approved by the board and the governor.8 (2) Requests for the project facility expense rebate pursuant to this Section9 shall be processed by the Department of Revenue as follows:10 (a) A properly completed project facility expense rebate request shall be11 submitted to the Department of Revenue on forms provided by the Department of12 Revenue. A properly completed project facility expense rebate request shall mean13 a rebate request that includes the general information required on the face of the14 request, a certification from the Department of Economic Development stating the15 number of new jobs created, a copy of the executed incentive contract, is signed, and16 a copy all required schedules. The request shall be submitted electronically unless17 the secretary of the Department of Revenue grants permission to submit the request18 in an alternate form.19 (b) Within thirty business days of the receipt of a properly completed rebate20 request, the Department of Revenue shall rebate one hundred percent of the total21 amount claimed as a rebate. The Department of Revenue shall make such credit22 payment from the current collections of the taxes collected pursuant to Chapter 2,23 Chapter 2-A, or Chapter 2-B of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised24 Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any rebate issued shall be subject to subsequent audit25 by the Department of Revenue, and any rebate amount determined to be in excess26 of that which should have been allowed shall be subject to collection by the27 Department of Revenue.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 82 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. D. Failure of the Department of Revenue to timely pay sales and use tax1 rebates and project facility expense rebates as provided herein shall entitle the2 taxpayer to interest, which shall begin to accrue on the statutory deadline for3 payment of the rebate or credit at the rate established pursuant to the provisions of4 R.S. 13:4202. Payments of interest authorized according to the provisions of this5 Section shall be made from the current collections of taxes collected pursuant to6 Chapter 2, Chapter 2-A, or Chapter 2-B of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana7 Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.8 E. For purposes of filing the application provided for in Paragraph (B)(1) and9 (C)(1) of this Section, the business filing the application, upon request, shall receive10 a thirty-day extension of time in which to file its application, provided such request11 for extension is received by the Department of Revenue prior to the expiration of12 such filing period. The Department of Revenue is also authorized to grant the13 business an additional extension of time, not to exceed sixty days, in which to file14 its application provided that the business shows reasonable cause for granting such15 extension.16 F. If the collecting agencies receive notice that the rebate or credit, or any17 part thereof, has ceased by reason of a violation of the terms of the contract under18 which it was granted, then the amount of the rebate for the year in which the19 violation occurred and for each year thereafter in which the violation is not remedied20 shall be considered a tax due as of December thirty-first of the year in which the21 violation occurred, and for each year thereafter in which a rebate is claimed and the22 violation is not remedied, and it shall be collected by the collecting agencies in the23 same manner and subject to the same provisions for the collection of other tax debts.24 G. Local Sales and Use Tax Rebate. (1) The business makes its request for25 rebate of local sales and use tax or the tax credit either:26 (a) Prior to beginning construction of its building, or any addition or27 improvement thereon; or28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 83 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (b) Prior to installation of the machinery or equipment to be used in the1 enterprise zone; or2 (c) Prior to beginning use of customer-owned tooling used in a compression3 molding process.4 (2) At any time subsequent to the deadlines established in Items (a), (b), and5 (c) of Subparagraph (1), if the board determines that the business was unable, due to6 good cause, to file the request within the time frame provided, the board may7 consider a late request, but the business shall have the burden to establish good8 cause.9 (3) Within ninety days from the date that a properly completed rebate request10 submitted by a taxpayer is received by the appropriate local taxing authority, the11 taxing authority shall review the rebate request and issue a rebate check to the12 taxpayer for allowed items and shall notify the taxpayer of any disallowed items.13 (4) For purposes of this Subsection, a properly completed rebate request14 shall mean a rebate request that includes the general information required on the face15 of the request, is signed, and includes a copy of each invoice and all required16 schedules.17 (5) Within sixty days from receipt of the notification of disallowed items, the18 taxpayer shall resubmit a properly completed rebate request for disallowed items to19 the taxing authority for reconsideration. The time periods for reconsideration of20 disallowed items in a rebate request shall be the same as the time periods for21 consideration of the initial rebate request.22 (6) Rebate requests may be submitted electronically with the approval of the23 local taxing authority.24 (7) Failure by a local taxing authority to timely process and pay a local sales25 and use tax rebate in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection shall entitle26 the taxpayer to interest on the amount of the allowed items contained in the properly27 completed rebate request.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 84 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (8) Interest shall begin to accrue on the date the properly completed rebate1 request or reconsideration of disallowed items in a properly completed rebate request2 is received by the taxing authority at the rate established pursuant to the provisions3 of R.S. 13:4202.4 (9) Sales and use taxes imposed by a political subdivision which are5 dedicated to the repayment of bonded indebtedness or dedicated to schools shall not6 be eligible for rebate. All other state and local sales and use taxes shall be eligible7 for rebate.8 (10) No governing authority of a political subdivision or sheriff's office shall9 charge any fee or require any employment practice that conflicts with state or federal10 law as a precondition to authorizing tax benefits under this Chapter. The governing11 authority of each political subdivision or sheriff's office shall, after all requirements12 of this Chapter have been met, promptly rebate any sales and use taxes to the entity13 entitled to such rebate.14 * * *15 §2453. Definitions16 The following words or terms as used in this Chapter shall have the following17 meaning, unless a different meaning appears from the context:18 (1) "Act" means the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (enacted by19 Public Law 111-1480) and subsequent consolidating amendments thereto.20 (2) "Benefit rate" means the following percentages:21 (a) For new direct jobs created which pay at least fourteen dollars and fifty22 cents per hour inclusive of wages and the value of the up to $1.25 per hour paid for23 health care benefits paid or offered in accordance with Paragraph (2) (4) of this24 Section, the benefit rate shall be five percent, provided that at least fifty percent of25 the employees holding new direct jobs accept the health care benefits offered.26 (b) For new direct jobs created which pay at least nineteen dollars and ten27 cents per hour inclusive of wages and the value of the up to $1.25 per hour paid for28 health care benefits paid or offered in accordance with Paragraph (2) (4)of this29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 85 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Section, the benefit rate shall be six percent, provided that at least fifty percent of the1 employees holding new direct jobs accept the health care benefits offered.2 (3) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1983 and incorporates the3 meaning of any Treasury Regulations promulgated under a particular Section of the4 Code.5 (2) (4) "Employer" shall mean a legal person who executes a contract with6 the department pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter and who offers, or will7 offer within ninety days of the effective date of qualifying for the incentive rebates8 pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, a basic health benefits plan to the9 individuals it employs in new direct jobs in this state which shall be determined by10 the Department of Economic Development to have a value of at least one dollar and11 twenty-five cents per hour.12 (a) The "basic health benefits plan" or the "health insurance coverage"13 required to be offered or provided by this Paragraph shall also include coverage for14 basic hospital care, and coverage for physician care, as well as coverage for health15 care, which shall be the same coverage as is provided to employees employed in a16 bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity by the employer who17 are exempt from the minimum wage and maximum hour requirements of the federal18 Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C.A. §201, et seq. as follows:19 (a) Employers classified as an Applicable Large Employer under Section20 4980(c)(2) of the Code, shall meet both of the following requirements:21 (i) Offer to provide minimum essential coverage in accordance with Section22 5000A(f)(1)(B) of the Code for employer sponsored plans to the employee and such23 coverage must comply with the requirements for minimal essential coverage under24 Section 36B(c)(2)(C) of the Code.25 (ii) Not be liable for any assessable payments under Sections 4890H(a)(1)26 or (b) of the Code after ninety days from the effective date of qualifying for the27 incentive rebates pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter.28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 86 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (b) Employers not classified as an Applicable Large Employer under Section1 4890H(a)(1) or (b) of the Code, shall meet either of the following requirements:2 (i) Offer to provide minimum essential coverage in accordance with Section3 5000A(f)(1)(B) of the Code for employer sponsored plans to the employee and such4 coverage shall comply with the requirements for minimal essential coverage under5 Section 36B(c)(2)(C) of the Code.6 (ii) Pay a benefit of $1.25 per hour to the employee and beginning January7 1, 2014, provide to the employee at the time fo hiring written notice informing the8 employee of the existence of an Exchange, and the manner in which the employee9 may contact the Exchange to request assistance.10 * * *11 (3) (5) "Exchange" means the definition of "exchange" in 45 Code of12 Federal Regulations 155.20. 13 (6) "Gross payroll" means wages for the new direct jobs as defined herein14 upon which the particular benefit rate is calculated.15 (4) (7) "New direct job" means employment in this state of an employee16 working at the average hours per week provided for in R.S. 51:2455(E)(2), who was17 not previously on an employer's payroll in Louisiana, nor previously on the payroll18 of such employer's parent entity, subsidiary, or affiliate in Louisiana, or previously19 on the payroll of any business whose physical plant and employees are substantially20 the same as those of the employer in Louisiana. Such job shall be with an employer21 that has qualified to receive a rebate pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, which22 job did not exist in this state prior to the effective date the application was filed by23 the employer with the Department of Economic Development pursuant to the24 provisions of R.S. 51:2455 and which job is filled by an individual domiciled in the25 state of Louisiana. "New direct job" shall not mean any job that is a result of job26 shifts due to the gain or loss of an in-state contract to supply goods and services.27 "New direct job" shall not mean any employees who were retained following the28 acquisition of all or part of an in-state business by an employer.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 87 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (5) (8) "Wages" means all remuneration for services from whatever source,1 including commissions and bonuses and the cash value of all remuneration in any2 medium other than cash, and dismissal payments which the employer is required by3 law or contract to make. Gratuities customarily received by an individual in the4 course of his work from persons other than his employer shall be treated as wages5 received from his employer. The reasonable cash value of remuneration in any6 medium other than cash and the reasonable amount of gratuities shall be estimated7 and determined in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and its rules and8 regulations. The term "wages" shall not include the following:9 * * *10 (g) For employers qualifying pursuant to Item (b)(ii) of Paragraph (4) of this11 Section, the $1.25 hourly benefit provided for the purchase of healthcare on an12 Exchange.13 §2454. Rebate approval14 A. The state Board of Commerce and Industry, or its successor, after15 consultation with the secretaries of the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the16 Department of Revenue, with the approval of the governor, may enter into a contract17 with an employer complying with the provisions of this Chapter for a period of up18 to five years of payroll rebates. A contract with an employer shall be limited to a19 single physical location, and the benefits the employer shall receive shall be based20 solely upon the operations at that location. An employer may have more than one21 contract covering multiple locations; however, eligibility of each location shall be22 determined separately, with the exception that, in determining new direct jobs, the23 department shall certify that the employer has a net overall increase in employment24 statewide for each new direct job.25 B. A contract may be renewed under any of the following circumstances:26 (1) A five-year payroll rebate renewal may be authorized if:27 * * *28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 88 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. §2456. Rebate; payments1 A. The payroll rebates authorized in this Chapter shall be paid annually after2 the employer has filed its application for annual rebate at the end of the employer's3 fiscal year with the Department of Economic Development, and the department has4 determined from the information submitted along with such application as provided5 for in R.S. 51:2457 that the employer is eligible for such rebate for such year. The6 initial five year payroll rebate period shall begin within three years of the contract7 effective date but no later than the project completion date. For employers who do8 not claim either the sales and use tax rebate or a project facility expense rebate, the9 initial five year payroll rebate period shall begin on the contract effective date.10 B. In addition to the rebates provided in this Chapter, an employer who has11 executed a contract under the provisions of this Chapter shall be entitled to the same12 a sales and use tax rebates or refundable investment income tax credit authorized in13 R.S. 51:1787, if the employer meets the enterprise zone program hiring requirements14 and all other limitations, procedures, and requirements in R.S. 51:1787. Any15 contract executed under this Chapter which provides for a rebate of local sales and16 use taxes shall include the same procedures and requirements under R.S. 51:1787 for17 rebates involving local sales and use taxes, including but not limited to the18 requirement that any such request for a rebate of local sales and use taxes be19 accompanied by an endorsement resolution approved by the governing authority of20 the appropriate municipality, parish, port district, or industrial district board in whose21 jurisdiction the employer is or will be located. rebate for capital expenditures for the22 facility designated in the contract provided for in Paragraph (1) of Subsection (B) of23 this Section or project facility expense rebate provided for in Paragraph (2) of24 Subsection (B) of this Section.25 (1) A rebate of sales and use tax imposed by the state for the purchases of26 the material used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement27 thereon, for housing any legitimate business enterprise and machinery and equipment28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 89 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. used in that enterprise for all years beginning the year after the contract effective1 date up to and including the year of project completion.2 (2) In lieu of the state sales and use tax rebate, a qualified business shall be3 entitled to a project facility expense rebate equal to two and one-half percent of the4 amount of qualified capital expenditures for the facility or facilities designated in the5 contract for all years beginning the year after the contract effective date up to and6 including the year of project completion.7 (a) For purposes of this Subparagraph, the term "qualified capital8 expenditures" means amounts classified as capital expenditures for federal income9 tax purposes related to the project plus exclusions from capitalization provided for10 in Internal Revenue Code Section 263 (a)(1)(A) through (L), minus the capitalized11 cost of land, capitalized leases of land, capitalized interest, capitalized costs of12 manufacturing machinery and equipment to the extent the capitalized manufacturing13 machinery and equipment costs are excluded from sales and use tax pursuant to R.S.14 47:301(3), and the capitalized cost for the purchase of an existing building.15 (b) When a qualified business purchases an existing building and capital16 expenditures are used to rehabilitate the building, only the costs of the rehabilitation17 shall be considered qualified capital expenditures.18 (c) A qualified business shall be allowed to increase its qualified capital19 expenditures to the extent the qualified business' capitalized basis is properly reduced20 by claiming a federal credit.21 C. Any qualified business which receives a contract pursuant to this Chapter22 may also apply for a rebate of local sales and use taxes imposed by its political23 subdivisions upon approval of the governing authority of the appropriate24 municipality or the appropriate parish where applicable, or both, and of the25 governing authority of any other political subdivision, including the office of sheriff26 in the case of a law enforcement district, under the following procedures and27 requirements:28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 90 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (1) The request for a rebate of local sales and use tax is accompanied by an1 endorsement resolution approved by the governing body of the appropriate2 municipality, parish, port district, industrial development board, or other political3 subdivision or the written approval of the office of sheriff in the case of a law4 enforcement district, in whose jurisdiction the establishment is to be located.5 (2) The endorsement resolution or letter of approval is to be submitted by the6 governing body or sheriff's office within ninety days of receipt of notification that7 the department has received an advance notification to file an application for benefits8 under this Chapter. The department shall notify the appropriate local governing body9 or sheriff's office of receipt of the application.10 (3) If the governing body of the appropriate jurisdiction has not submitted11 an endorsement resolution, written reasons for denial, or a written request for delay12 of consideration of the application, the board may take unilateral action, for the13 rebate of sales and use taxes imposed by the state only, in approving or denying the14 request.15 (4) If there are no local sales and use taxes that can be rebated, as in the16 event that all such taxes are dedicated, no endorsement resolution shall be required17 of a local governing authority before the board considers its application for benefits18 under this Chapter.19 §2457. Filing claim to receive rebate; determination; repayment20 A.(1) After the end of the fiscal year of an employer for which an employer21 has qualified to receive a payroll rebate, the employer shall file an application for the22 annual rebate as required in R.S. 51:2456 with the Department of Economic23 Development.24 * * *25 B. (5) If the actual verified gross payroll for the employer's fiscal year for26 which the employer is applying for his third annual rebate does not show a minimum27 of five new direct jobs and is not of an amount which equals or exceeds a total of28 five hundred thousand dollars, or, where applicable according to R.S. 51:2455(E)(1),29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 91 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. two hundred fifty thousand dollars, the tax liability for the tax period in which the1 failure to show such minimum occurs shall be increased by the amount of rebates2 previously allowed. If at any other time during the ten-year period when the3 employer applies for a rebate at the end of the employer's fiscal year, the actual4 verified gross payroll for such fiscal year does not show a minimum of five new5 direct jobs and an amount which equals or exceeds a total of five hundred thousand6 dollars, or, where applicable according to R.S. 51:2455(E)(1), two hundred fifty7 thousand dollars, the rebates shall be suspended and shall not be resumed until such8 time as the actual verified gross payroll shows a minimum of five new direct jobs9 and an amount which equals or exceeds five hundred thousand dollars or, where10 applicable according to R.S. 51:2455(E)(1), two hundred fifty thousand dollars. No11 rebate shall accrue or be paid to the employer during a period of suspension.12 C. (6) An employer that has qualified pursuant to R.S. 51:2455 is eligible to13 receive rebates under this Chapter only in accordance with the provisions under14 which it initially applied and was approved. If an employer that is receiving rebates15 expands, it may apply for additional rebates based on the gross payroll anticipated16 from the expansion only, pursuant to R.S. 51:2455.17 B. Issuance of State Sales and Use Tax Rebate18 (1) Applications for the payment of the rebate of state sales and use taxes19 shall be made annually after the end of the fiscal year of an employer for all years20 after the effective date of the contract up to and including the year in which the21 project is completed.22 (2) Qualifying purchases of material used in the construction, addition or23 improvement of a building made on or after the effective date of the contract shall24 be eligible for the rebate and shall be included in the application for payment of the25 rebate of sales and use taxes.26 (3) Application for the final payment of the rebate of state sales and use27 taxes granted pursuant to this Section shall be filed no later than six months after the28 Department of Economic Development signs a project completion report and sends29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 92 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. it to the Department of Revenue, the political subdivision, and the business, or no1 later than thirty days after the end of the calendar year in the case of customer-owned2 tooling used in a compression molding process. The project completion report cannot3 be signed until the project is complete and the contract has been approved by the4 board and the governor.5 (4) Requests for rebates of state sales and use tax pursuant to this Section6 shall be processed by the Department of Revenue as follows:7 (a) A properly completed rebate request shall be submitted to the Department8 of Revenue on forms provided by the Department of Revenue. A properly completed9 rebate request shall mean a rebate request that includes the general information10 required on the face of the request, is signed and includes a copy of the executed11 incentive contract, a copy of each invoice over fifteen thousand dollars, and all12 required schedules. The request shall be submitted electronically unless the secretary13 of the Department of Revenue grants permission to submit the request in an alternate14 form.15 (b) Within ten business days of the receipt of a properly completed rebate16 request, the Department of Revenue shall rebate eighty percent of the total amount17 claimed for rebate in the rebate request. Within three months of the date of filing the18 rebate request, the Department of Revenue shall audit the rebate request. During such19 three-month period, the Department of Revenue shall disallow items determined to20 be ineligible for rebate. Within ten business days following the expiration of such21 three-month period, the Department of Revenue shall rebate the remaining twenty22 percent of the amount claimed on the rebate request less any amounts properly23 disallowed during the three-month audit period. The Department of Revenue shall24 make such rebates from the current collections of the taxes collected pursuant to25 Chapter 2, Chapter 2-A, or Chapter 2-B of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana26 Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any sales and use tax rebate issued shall be27 subject to subsequent audit by the Department of Revenue, and any rebate amount28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 93 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. determined to be in excess of that which should have been allowed shall be subject1 to collection by the Department of Revenue.2 C. Issuance of Project Facility Expense Rebate3 (1) Applications for the payment of the project facility expense rebate shall4 be made annually after the end of the fiscal year of an employer for all years after the5 effective date of the contract up to and including the year in which the project is6 placed in service.7 (2) Application for the final payment of the project facility expense rebate8 granted pursuant to this Section shall be filed no later than six months after the9 Department of Economic Development signs a project completion report and sends10 it to the Department of Revenue, the political subdivision, and the business. The11 project completion report cannot be signed until the project is complete and the12 contract has been approved by the board and the governor.13 (3) Requests for the project facility expense rebate pursuant to this Section14 shall be processed by the Department of Revenue as follows:15 (a) A properly completed project facility expense rebate request shall be16 submitted to the Department of Revenue on forms provided by the Department of17 Revenue. A properly completed project facility expense rebate request shall mean18 a rebate request that includes the general information required on the face of the19 request, is signed and includes a copy of the executed incentive contract, and a copy20 all required schedules. The request shall be submitted electronically unless the21 secretary of the Department of Revenue grants permission to submit the request in22 an alternate form.23 (b) Within thirty business days of the receipt of a properly completed rebate24 request, the Department of Revenue shall rebate one hundred percent of the total25 amount claimed as a project facility expense rebate. The Department of Revenue26 shall make such rebate payment from the current collections of the taxes collected27 pursuant to Chapter 2, Chapter 2-A, or Chapter 2-B of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the28 Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any project facility expense rebate29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 94 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. issued shall be subject to subsequent audit by the Department of Revenue, and any1 rebate amount determined to be in excess of that which should have been allowed2 shall be subject to collection by the Department of Revenue.3 D. Failure of the Department of Revenue to timely pay sales and use tax4 rebates and project facility expense rebates as provided herein shall entitle the5 taxpayer to interest, which shall begin to accrue on the statutory deadline for6 payment of the rebate at the rate established pursuant to the provisions of R.S.7 13:4202. Payments of interest authorized according to the provisions of this Section8 shall be made from the current collections of taxes collected pursuant to Chapter 2,9 Chapter 2-A, or Chapter 2-B of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised10 Statutes of 1950, as amended.11 E. For purposes of filing the application provided for in Subsection (B) and12 (C) of this Section, the business filing the application, upon request, shall receive a13 thirty-day extension of time in which to file its application, provided such request for14 extension is received by the Department of Revenue prior to the expiration of such15 filing period. The Department of Revenue is also authorized to grant the business an16 additional extension of time, not to exceed sixty days, in which to file its application17 provided that the business shows reasonable cause for granting such extension.18 F. Issuance Local Sales and Use Tax19 (1) The business makes its request for rebate of local sales and use tax:20 (a) Prior to beginning construction of its building, or any addition or21 improvement thereon,22 (b) Prior to installation of the machinery or equipment to be used in the23 enterprise zone, or24 (c) Prior to beginning use of customer-owned tooling used in a compression25 molding process.26 (2) At any time subsequent to the deadlines established in Subparagraph (a),27 (b), and (c) of Subsection (F), if the board determines that the business was unable,28 due to good cause, to file the request within the time frame provided, the board may29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 95 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. consider a late request, but the business shall have the burden to establish good1 cause.2 (3) Within ninety days from the date that a properly completed rebate request3 submitted by a taxpayer is received by the appropriate local taxing authority, the4 taxing authority shall review the rebate request and issue a rebate check to the5 taxpayer for allowed items and shall notify the taxpayer of any disallowed items.6 (4) For purposes of this Subsection, a properly completed rebate request7 shall mean a rebate request that includes the general information required on the face8 of the request, is signed, and includes a copy of each invoice and all required9 schedules.10 (5) Within sixty days from receipt of the notification of disallowed items, the11 taxpayer shall resubmit a properly completed rebate request for disallowed items to12 the taxing authority for reconsideration. The time periods for reconsideration of13 disallowed items in a rebate request shall be the same as the time periods for14 consideration of the initial rebate request.15 (6) Rebate requests may be submitted electronically with the approval of the16 local taxing authority.17 (7) Failure by a local taxing authority to timely process and pay a local sales18 and use tax rebate in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection shall entitle19 the taxpayer to interest on the amount of the allowed items contained in the properly20 completed rebate request.21 (8) Interest shall begin to accrue on the date the properly completed rebate22 request or reconsideration of disallowed items in a properly completed rebate request23 is received by the taxing authority at the rate established pursuant to the provisions24 of R.S. 13:4202.25 (9) Sales and use taxes imposed by a political subdivision which are26 dedicated to the repayment of bonded indebtedness or dedicated to schools shall not27 be eligible for rebate. All other state and local sales and use taxes shall be eligible28 for rebate.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 96 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (10) No governing authority of a political subdivision or sheriff's office shall1 charge any fee or require any employment practice that conflicts with state or federal2 law as a precondition to authorizing tax benefits under this Chapter. The governing3 authority of each political subdivision or sheriff's office shall, after all requirements4 of this Chapter have been met, promptly rebate any sales and use taxes to the entity5 entitled to such rebate.6 G. If the collecting agencies receive notice that the rebate, or any part7 thereof, has ceased by reason of a violation of the terms of the contract under which8 it was granted, then the amount of the rebate for the year in which the violation9 occurred and for each year thereafter in which the violation is not remedied shall be10 considered a tax due as of December thirty-first of the year in which the violation11 occurred, and for each year thereafter in which a rebate is claimed and the violation12 is not remedied, and it shall be collected by the collecting agencies in the same13 manner and subject to the same provisions for the collection of other tax debts.14 §2458. Employers receiving rebates not eligible to receive certain other tax credits15 and exemptions16 Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in R.S.17 51:2456(B), a qualified employer who receives a rebate pursuant to the provisions18 of this Chapter shall not be eligible to receive the other credits or exemptions19 provided for in the following provisions of law in connection with the activity for20 which the rebate was received:21 * * *22 (7) R.S. 51:1787 R.S. 51:1792 et seq. (incentives tax exemption from sales23 and use tax materials to be used in the construction of a building and for machinery24 and income tax credit for each employee in enterprise zone).25 * * *26 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 97 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. §3121. Competitive Projects Payroll Incentive Program1 A. Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following words or terms2 as used in this Chapter shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning3 appears from the context:4 (1) "Basic health benefits plan" means coverage for basic hospital care,5 coverage for physician care, and coverage for health care which is determined by the6 Department of Economic Development to have a value of at least one dollar and7 twenty-f ive cents per hour and which is the same coverage as is provided to8 employees employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional9 capacity by the employers who are exempt from the minimum wage and maximum10 hour requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. 201, et seq.11 "Act" shall mean the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (enacted by Public12 Law 111-148) and subsequent consolidating amendments.13 (2) "Business" means any individual, firm, joint venture, association,14 corporation, estate, partnership, business trust, receiver, syndicate, or any other legal15 business entity.16 (3) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and shall17 incorporate the meaning of any Treasury Regulations promulgated under any18 Section of the Code.19 (4) "Department" means the Department of Economic Development.20 (5) "Health benefits" shall mean the following:21 (a) Employers classified as an Applicable Large Employer under Section22 4980(c)(2) of the Code which offer to provide minimum essential coverage in23 accordance with Section 5000A(f)(1)(B) of the Code for employer sponsored plans24 to the employee and such coverage must comply with the requirements for minimal25 essential coverage under Section 36B(c)(2)(C) of the Code, and shall not be subject26 to any assessable payments under Sections 4890H(a)(1) or (b) of the Code after27 ninety days from the effective date of qualifying for the incentive rebates pursuant28 to the provisions of this Chapter.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 98 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (b) Employers not classified as an Applicable Large Employer under Section1 4980(c)(2) of the Code, shall either offer to provide minimum essential coverage in2 accordance with Section 5000A(f)(1)(B) of the Code for employer sponsored plans3 to the employee and such coverage must comply with the requirements for minimal4 essential coverage under Section 36B(c)(2)(C) of the Code, or pay a benefit of one5 dollar twenty-five cents per hour to the employee. Furthermore, beginning January6 1, 2014, the employer shall provide the employee, at the time of hiring, written7 notice informing the employee of the existence of an Exchange and how the8 employee may contact the Exchange to request assistance.9 (6) “Exchange” shall have the same meaning as in 45 Code of Federal10 Regulations 155.20.11 (4) (7) "New jobs" means permanent full-time direct new jobs based at the12 facilities designated in the contract and filled by residents of the state.13 (5) (8) "New payroll" means payment by the business to its employees for14 new jobs, exclusive of benefits, and defined as wages under Louisiana Employment15 Security Law (R.S. 23:1472(20)).16 (6) (9) "Program" means the Competitive Projects Payroll Incentive17 Program.18 (7) (10) "Qualified business" means a business certified by the secretary as19 meeting the eligibility requirements of Subsection B of this Section, approved by the20 Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget to participate in the program, and21 executing a contract providing the terms and conditions for its participation.22 (8) (11) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Department of Economic23 Development.24 (9) (12) "Significant positive economic benefit" means net positive tax25 revenue. This shall be determined by taking into account direct, indirect, and induced26 impacts based on a standard economic impact methodology utilized by the27 department, the value of the rebate, and any other state tax and financial incentives28 that are used by the department to secure the project.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 99 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. B. Eligibility requirements. (1) A business shall be eligible for participation1 in the program if all of the following requirements are met:2 (a) At least fifty percent of the total annual sales of the business from a3 Louisiana site or sites is to out-of-state customers or buyers, or to in-state customers4 or buyers who resell the product or service to an out-of-state customer or buyer for5 ultimate use, or the federal government, or any combination thereof.6 (b) The business will primarily engage in one of the following activities at7 the project site:8 (i) Manufacturing of the following types of durable goods: automobiles,9 motorcycles or other passenger vehicles, or components thereof; aircraft or10 components thereof; spacecraft or components thereof; medical devices; batteries or11 other power storage devices; motors, engines, turbines or components thereof;12 environmental control systems; household appliances; computers, computer13 peripherals or components thereof; communications equipment; audio or video14 equipment; semiconductors; consumer-oriented electronic devices or components15 thereof; industrial machinery; or construction heavy equipment such as excavators.16 (ii) Manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.17 (iii) Conversion of natural gas to diesel, jet fuel, or other refined fuels.18 (iv) Data storage or data services, provided at least seventy-five percent of19 sales meet the out-of-state sales requirements of Subparagraph (1)(a) of this20 Subsection.21 (v) Other activities as recommended by the secretary and approved by the22 Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.23 (c) The business offers, or will offer within ninety days of the effective date24 of qualifying for the incentive rebates pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, a25 basic health benefits plan to the individuals it employs as provided in Paragraph26 (A)(1) (A)(5) of this Section.27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 100 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) The secretary, at his discretion, may include sales by affiliates of the1 business in determining the percentage of sales meeting the requirements of2 Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.3 (3) All of the following shall not be eligible for the program:4 (a) A business engaged in gaming or gambling.5 (b) A business primarily engaged in natural resource extraction or6 exploration, unless the project activity is conversion of natural gas to diesel, jet fuel,7 or other refined fuels.8 (c) A business primarily engaged in retail sales; real estate; professional9 services; financial services; venture capital funds; shipbuilding; wood products;10 agriculture; or manufacturing of machinery or equipment primarily intended to serve11 the energy industry.12 C. Applications and contract approval and administration. (1) At the13 invitation of the secretary, a business may apply for a contract by submitting to the14 department such certified statements and substantiating documents as the department15 may require.16 (2) The secretary may certify eligibility of the business and request approval17 by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget of its participation in the program18 on terms and conditions specified by the secretary in a proposed contract, if the19 secretary determines all of the following:20 (a) The business meets the eligibility requirements provided for in21 Subsection B of this Section.22 (b) Participation in the program is needed in a highly competitive site23 selection situation to encourage the business to locate or expand in the state.24 (c) Securing the project will result in a significant positive economic benefit25 to the state.26 (3)(a)(i) Upon the approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on the27 Budget of participation in the program by the business, the secretary shall execute28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 101 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. the contract with the business, and provide a copy to the Department of Revenue1 prior to the payment of any benefits under the contract.2 (ii) No new contract shall be approved on or after July 1, 2017, but contracts3 existing on that date may continue and may be renewed.4 (b) The contract shall provide for a rebate to the qualified business based5 upon new payroll and shall include the following provisions:6 (i) The percentage of new payroll eligible for rebate, up to a maximum of7 fifteen percent.8 (ii) The maximum amount of new payroll eligible for rebate.9 (iii) The number of new jobs and amount of new payroll required to be10 created and maintained and any other performance obligations required to be met in11 order to remain qualified for participation in the program.12 (iv) Designation of the facility or facilities eligible for participation in the13 program.14 (v) Monitoring of performance and consequences for failure to perform and15 other contract violations.16 (vi) An initial term of the contract, which may be up to five years, and any17 renewal term available at the discretion of the secretary, which may be up to an18 additional five years.19 (4)(a) In addition, a qualified business shall be entitled to either the same20 sales and use tax rebates authorized in R.S. 51:1787 for capital expenditures for the21 facility or facilities designated in the contract provided for in Subparagraph (b) of22 this Paragraph, or the project facility expense rebate provided for in Subparagraph23 (c) of this Paragraph, if the employer meets the enterprise zone program hiring24 requirements and all other limitations, procedures, and requirements in R.S. 51:1787.25 (b) Any qualified business which receives a contract pursuant to this Chapter26 shall also be entitled to a rebate of local sales and use taxes under the same27 procedures and requirements provided for in R.S. 51:1787 for approval of rebates for28 the sales and use taxes of political subdivisions and law enforcement districts,29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 102 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. including but not limited to the requirement that any such request for a rebate of1 local sales and use taxes be accompanied by an endorsement resolution approved by2 the governing authority of the appropriate political subdivision or law enforcement3 district in whose jurisdiction the qualified business is or will be located. A rebate of4 sales and use tax imposed by the state and political subdivisions of the state upon5 approval of the governing authority of the appropriate parish or municipality, where6 applicable, or both, and of the governing authority of any other political subdivision,7 including the sheriff in the case of law enforcement districts, for the purchases of the8 material used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement9 thereon, for housing any legitimate business enterprise and machinery and equipment10 used in that enterprise.11 (c) In lieu of the sales and use tax rebate, a qualified business shall be12 entitled to a project facility expense rebate equal to one and one-half one and one-13 half percent of the amount of qualified capital expenditures for the facility or14 facilities designated in the contract. For purposes of this Subparagraph, the term15 "qualified capital expenditures" means amounts classified as capital expenditures for16 federal income tax purposes related to the project plus exclusions from capitalization17 provided for in Internal Revenue Code Section 263 (a)(1)(A) through (L), minus the18 capitalized cost of land, capitalized leases of land, capitalized interest, capitalized19 costs of manufacturing machinery and equipment to the extent the capitalized20 manufacturing machinery and equipment costs are excluded from sales and use tax21 pursuant to R.S. 47:301(3), and the capitalized cost for the purchase of an existing22 building. When a qualified business purchases an existing building and capital23 expenditures are used to rehabilitate the building, only the costs of the rehabilitation24 shall be considered qualified capital expenditures. Additionally, a qualified business25 shall be allowed to increase its qualified capital expenditures to the extent the26 qualified business' capitalized basis is properly reduced by claiming a federal credit.27 A qualified business earns the project facility expense rebate in the qualified28 business' fiscal year in which the project is placed in service but the qualified29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 103 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. business may not be issued the project facility expense rebate until the Department1 of Economic Development signs a project completion report or such other time as2 provided for by rule or regulation. The project completion report for the project3 facility expense rebate shall adhere to the same requirements found in R.S.4 51:1787(A)(1)(a)(ii) for the sales and use tax rebate.5 (d) Any qualified business which receives a contract pursuant to this Chapter6 may also apply for a rebate of local sales and use taxes under the following7 procedures and requirements:8 (i) The request for a rebate of local sales and use tax is accompanied by an9 endorsement resolution approved by the governing body of the appropriate10 municipality, parish, port district, industrial development board, or other political11 subdivision or the written approval of the office of sheriff in the case of a law12 enforcement district, in whose jurisdiction the establishment is to be located.13 (ii) The endorsement resolution or letter of approval is to be submitted by14 the governing body or sheriff's office within ninety days of receipt of notification15 that the department has received an advance notification to file an application for16 benefits under this Chapter. The department shall notify the appropriate local17 governing body or sheriff's office of receipt of the application by certified mail.18 (iii) If the governing body of the appropriate jurisdiction has not submitted19 an endorsement resolution, written reasons for denial, or a written request for delay20 of consideration of the application, the board may take unilateral action, for the21 rebate of sales and use taxes imposed by the state only, in approving or denying the22 request.23 (iv) If there are no local sales and use taxes that can be rebated, as in the24 event that all such taxes are dedicated, no endorsement resolution shall be required25 of a local governing authority before the board considers its application for benefits26 under this Chapter.27 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 104 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. D. The sales and use tax rebate and the project facility expense rebate shall1 be paid according to the terms of the contract between the department and the2 qualified business.3 E. Payment of Local Sales and Use Tax Rebate4 (1) The business shall its application for rebate of local sales and use tax5 prior to beginning construction of its building, or any addition or improvement6 thereon, prior to installation of the machinery or equipment to be used in the7 enterprise zone, or prior to beginning use of customer-owned tooling used in a8 compression molding process.9 (2) At any time subsequent to the deadlines established in Paragraph 1 of this10 Subsection, if the board determines that the business was unable to file the request11 for good cause, within the time frame provided, the board may consider a late12 request. The burden of establishing good cause shall be born by the business making13 the rebate application.14 (3) Within ninety days from the date that a properly completed rebate15 application was received by the appropriate local taxing authority, the taxing16 authority shall review the rebate request and issue a rebate check to the taxpayer for17 allowed items and shall notify the taxpayer of any disallowed items.18 (4) For purposes of this Subsection, a properly completed rebate request19 shall mean a rebate request that includes the general information required on the face20 of the request, is signed, and includes a copy of each invoice and all required21 schedules.22 (5) Within sixty days from receipt of the notification of disallowed items, the23 taxpayer shall resubmit a properly completed rebate request for disallowed items to24 the taxing authority for reconsideration. The time periods for reconsideration of25 disallowed items in a rebate request shall be the same as the time periods for26 consideration of the initial rebate request.27 (6) Rebate requests may be submitted electronically with the approval of the28 local taxing authority.29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 105 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (7) Failure by a local taxing authority to timely process and pay a local sales1 and use tax rebate in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection shall entitle2 the taxpayer to interest on the amount of the allowed items contained in the properly3 completed rebate request.4 (8) Interest shall begin to accrue on the date the properly completed rebate5 request or reconsideration of disallowed items in a properly completed rebate request6 is received by the taxing authority at the rate established pursuant to the provisions7 of R.S. 13:4202.8 (9) Sales and use taxes imposed by a political subdivision which are9 dedicated to the repayment of bonded indebtedness or dedicated to schools shall not10 be eligible for rebate. All other state and local sales and use taxes shall be eligible11 for rebate.12 (10) No governing authority of a political subdivision or sheriff's office shall13 charge any fee or require any employment practice that conflicts with state or federal14 law as a precondition to authorizing tax benefits under this Chapter. The governing15 authority of each political subdivision or sheriff's office shall, after all requirements16 of this Chapter have been met, promptly rebate any sales and use taxes to the entity17 entitled to such rebate.18 (11) If the collecting agencies receive notice that the rebate, or any part19 thereof, has ceased by reason of a violation of the terms of the contract under which20 it was granted, then the amount of the rebate for the year in which the violation21 occurred and for each year thereafter in which the violation is not remedied shall be22 considered a tax due as of December thirty-first of the year in which the violation23 occurred, and for each year thereafter in which a rebate is claimed and the violation24 is not remedied, and it shall be collected by the collecting agencies in the same25 manner and subject to the same provisions for the collection of other tax debts.26 D. F. Annual Certification of Eligibility. (1) The qualified business shall27 file requests for approval of annual payroll rebates with the department. The request28 shall include documentation signed by a corporate officer of the qualified business29 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 106 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. certifying its continued eligibility for the program, as provided in Subsection B of1 this Section, and its actual new payroll and the performance of any other contractual2 obligations for the subject year. The qualified business may be subject to a limited3 audit by the department, at the expense of the qualified business, to verify such4 eligibility and performance. The approved contract between the qualified business5 and the department shall authorize the continued rebate as long as the business6 remains eligible for the program and complies with the terms and performance7 obligations of the contract. If a qualified business fails to maintain the eligibility8 requirements for participation in the program or fails to meet all performance9 obligations of the contract, the secretary may suspend or terminate its participation10 in the program.11 (2)(a) After verification of continued eligibility and performance, the12 department shall send a payroll rebate certification letter to the Department of13 Revenue, stating the amount of actual new payroll for the subject year, the amount14 of rebate to be issued, and the entity to which the rebate shall be issued. The15 Department of Revenue may require the business to submit additional information16 as may be necessary to properly issue the rebate. Payment of payroll rebates shall17 be made from the current collections of the taxes imposed pursuant to Title 47 of the18 Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.19 (b) No payment of a rebate shall be made under a specific contract during20 the fiscal year in which such contract is approved by the Joint Legislative Committee21 on the Budget.22 E. G. Incentive limitations. A taxpayer shall not receive any other incentive23 administered by the Department of Economic Development for any expenditures or24 jobs for which the taxpayer has received a rebate pursuant to this Section.25 F. H. Economic Analysis Verification. Prior to the implementation of the26 program, an independent third-party economist selected by the Legislative Fiscal27 Office and the department, and retained by the department after approval of the Joint28 HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 107 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Legislative Committee on the Budget, shall verify the standard economic impact1 methodology utilized by the department.2 G. I. Rules. The department may promulgate rules and regulations after3 approval of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee4 on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs meeting jointly within sixty days of publication of5 such proposed rules and regulations in the State Register.6 Section 3. R.S. 51:2453(6) is hereby repealed in its entirety.7 Section 4. This Act shall take effect and become operative if and when the Acts8 which originated as House Bill Nos. ___ of this 2013 Regular Session of the Legislature are9 enacted and become effective.10 DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] Robideaux HB No. 571 Abstract: Creates a tax credit registry and establishes various rebate programs and provides for the administration of the programs and rebate payments to eligible applicants. Proposed law establishes a tax credit registry and creates the following rebate programs: (1)Family Assistance Rebate Program. (2)Rebate Program for Assistance for Retirees and Military. (3)Rebate for local inventory taxes. (4)Rebate for taxes paid with respect to vessels in Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Waters. (5)Rebates for motion picture investors. (6)Rebate for property taxes paid by certain telephone companies. (7)Rehabilitation of Historic Structures Rebate. (8)School Readiness Child Care Expense Program. (9)Research and Development Rebate. HLS 13RS-903 ORIGINAL HB NO. 571 Page 108 of 108 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (10)Angel Investor Rebate Program. (11)Digital interactive media and software. (12)Sound recording investor rebate. (13)Musical and theatrical productions rebate. (14)Ports of Louisiana rebates. Proposed law makes various changes to the Enterprise Zone Program and to the Competitive Projects Payroll Incentive Program. Effective if and when House Bill Nos. ___ of this 2013 Regular Session are enacted and become effective. (Amends R.S. 51:1791, 2453(1), (2)(a), (3), (4), (5)(intro. para.), 2454(A), (B)(1)(intro. para.), 2457(A)(1), (B), and (C), 2458(7), and 3121; Adds R.S. 47:6039 and 6360 through 6374, and R.S. 51:1792, 1793, 1794, and 2453(8)(g))