Requires written or emailed notice of a meeting concerning tax measures to be provided to certain officials and excludes certain meetings of political subdivisions concerning tax measures from certain notice requirements. (8/1/14)
Impact
The bill has implications for state laws governing the conduct of political subdivisions in Louisiana, specifically concerning their tax-related decisions. By enforcing stricter notice requirements, it seeks to ensure that all affected stakeholders, including state senators and representatives, are kept informed of upcoming votes on tax measures. Additionally, SB235 allows for a simplified process regarding the notice of meetings if the subsequent action merely reduces tax rates or terms, thereby preventing unnecessary procedural delays in less contentious revisions.
Summary
Senate Bill 235 aims to amend and reenact the procedures for notifying officials about meetings concerning tax measures within political subdivisions in Louisiana. It requires that public notices related to tax measures, including levies, increases, or renewals of ad valorem property taxes or sales and use taxes, be delivered to specific officials. This is intended to enhance transparency in the legislative process by ensuring that relevant parties are made aware of meetings ahead of time, thereby facilitating greater oversight and participation by local representatives.
Sentiment
The response to SB235 has generally been positive among those advocating for transparency and accountability in local governance. Supporters argue that improved notice requirements will empower representatives and constituents by keeping them informed of critical tax-related decisions that impact their communities. However, there may be some concern regarding the potential administrative burden this places on political subdivisions, particularly smaller entities that may struggle with compliance.
Contention
Notably, the bill excludes certain meetings from notice requirements if they are solely related to tax reductions, which could provoke discussions about ensuring adequate transparency even when tax measures are less controversial. This aspect of SB235 has garnered attention from various stakeholders who argue that all tax-related meetings should be subject to notification requirements regardless of the subsequent action being a reduction.
Exempts taxing authorities in Lafayette Parish from certain public notice requirements regarding increases or renewals of property taxes which requirements are in excess of general requirements for public notices as provided in the open meetings law (OR NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Exempts certain security districts and similar districts from certain requirements for public notice and for recording or broadcast of certain meetings
Provides certain requirements for meetings at which consideration of or action upon proposals by political subdivisions to levy, increase, renew, or continue property or sales taxes, or authorize the calling of an election for submittal of such question to voters are scheduled. (8/1/13) (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Health occupations: health professionals; permanent revocation of license or registration if convicted of sexual conduct under pretext of medical treatment; provide for. Amends sec. 16226 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16226). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4121'23
Payment rates established for certain substance use disorder treatment services, and vendor eligibility recodified for payments from the behavioral health fund.