Louisiana House Bill HCR72

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/13

Caption

Suspends until 60 days after the 2014 Regular Session certain excise tax deductions and discounts

Impact

If enacted, HCR72 would directly impact state law by removing the financial incentives for timely tax filings that currently aid in maintaining state revenue. The suspension of these discounts could lead to increased tax liabilities for businesses that produce or sell products subject to these taxes. Lawmakers justified the measure as a means to address immediate budgetary concerns, arguing that without such actions, essential services including education and health care could face further funding cuts. However, the potential long-term ramifications of reduced tax compliance incentives could create challenges for revenue collection in the future.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 72 (HCR72) seeks to suspend various provisions of state law regarding excise tax discounts related to the timely reporting and remittance of certain taxes until 60 days after the adjournment of the 2014 Regular Session. This includes provisions related to discounts on taxes for beverages of low and high alcoholic content, gasoline and diesel fuels, and hazardous waste disposal. The suspension is positioned as a necessary measure in light of a significant budget shortfall anticipated for the fiscal year 2013-2014, which included a $207 million reduction in the official forecast and the potential for a $1.3 billion deficit in the continuation budget.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR72 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders. Supporters view the temporary suspension of tax discounts as a pragmatic response to the urgent fiscal situation, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective actions to ensure the stability of state operations. Conversely, critics argue that the resolution undermines confidence in the state's tax structure by removing previously established incentives, which may impact businesses’ practices. This division reflects broader concerns about how best to manage budgetary constraints while fostering an environment conducive to economic growth.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the implications of suspending tax discounts, particularly whether this measure might disproportionately affect small businesses that rely on these incentives for cash flow management. Critics express worry that the loss of discounts could discourage timely tax payments and compliance, potentially exacerbating the very fiscal issues lawmakers are trying to resolve. Further, there is an ongoing debate about balancing immediate fiscal needs with the long-term health of the state's economy, making HCR72 a focal point of discussion in the broader legislative context.