Louisiana House Bill HB333

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 4/22/14
• Engrossed: 4/29/14
• Refer: 4/30/14

Caption

Provides preferences for extruded woven polypropylene products woven in Louisiana (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

By prioritizing the procurement of Louisiana-made polypropylene products, HB 333 is expected to enhance the local economy by creating job opportunities and maintaining production within the state. This legislation also aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports, aligning with broader initiatives that encourage domestic production. The enforcement of this preference can lead state agencies to reconsider their purchasing habits and strategically favor local suppliers, thereby fostering competition among local producers and potentially driving down costs in the long run.

Summary

House Bill 333 provides a procurement preference for extruded woven polypropylene products that are produced within Louisiana over those made outside the United States. The bill stipulates that procurement officers must purchase state-made products, provided that their quality is equal to that of imported products and their cost does not exceed the external products' price by more than ten percent. This initiative aims to boost local manufacturing and support Louisiana-based industries while ensuring government contracts help sustain local economies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 333 appears to be generally positive, particularly among local manufacturers and labor groups who support the elevation of local products in state procurement processes. However, there are concerns from some legislators and industry stakeholders who fear that the bill might limit choices available to procurement officers and could lead to other unintended economic consequences. The discussion around the bill reflects a common tension between encouraging local industry and maintaining competitive pricing and quality standards in public contracting.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 333 include the argument regarding the balance between supporting local businesses and ensuring that taxpayers get the best value for their money. Critics of the bill argue that while promoting local products is beneficial, it could lead to higher costs for public agencies if local goods are consistently more expensive than their foreign counterparts. Additionally, there are worries about the impact of the bill on smaller businesses that may not have the same capacity or resources to compete effectively in procurement processes, which could dampen the bill's intent to boost local economic growth.