Louisiana Senate Bill SB463

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/24/14
• Refer: 3/25/14
• Refer: 3/26/14

Caption

Dedicates to the Better Highways and Higher Education Fund state sales tax proceeds collected each fiscal year as a result of a federal law which will require vendors located out-of-state to collect sales tax on their Internet and mail order sales.

Impact

The funding allocated from the Better Highways and Higher Education Fund is divided equally between two key areas: the Transportation Trust Fund and public postsecondary institutions. Fifty percent of the funds will be directed to the Transportation Trust Fund to assist with highway construction and maintenance projects, while the remaining half will support higher education institutions based on their federally financed research and development expenditures. Overall, this bill aims to enhance infrastructure and educational support in the state, potentially leading to economic growth and improved public services.

Summary

Senate Bill 463 intends to establish the Better Highways and Higher Education Fund in Louisiana. This fund will be sourced from the state sales tax proceeds collected from vendors located out-of-state as a result of federal legislation that compels these vendors to remit sales tax on their internet and mail order sales. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Department of Revenue, in conjunction with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, develop a reasonable estimate of these sales tax proceeds for each fiscal year. This financial mechanism aims to generate much-needed revenue to support crucial sectors within the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB463 appears to be cautiously optimistic among stakeholders. Advocates for infrastructure and educational improvements see the bill as an innovative approach to leveraging out-of-state vendors' contributions for local benefit. However, there may be concerns about the reliability of forecasting tax proceeds from out-of-state vendors, requiring a monitoring mechanism to ensure the intended financial support materializes effectively. Overall, it highlights a growing reliance on e-commerce taxation to boost state finances.

Contention

While SB463 aims to bolster state revenues, there might be points of contention regarding the equity and effectiveness of taxing out-of-state vendors. Critics may argue about the implications of relying on federal legislation and the potential administrative hurdles that could arise in accurately estimating and collecting these taxes. Additionally, concerns about the allocation process for the funds may surface, particularly regarding equitable support for diverse educational institutions and infrastructural needs across different regions in Louisiana.