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)] HB 295 Original 2015 Regular Session Brown Abstract: Provides for a forest protection assessment. Directs all unexpended and unencumbered monies in the Forest Protection Fund (fund) to the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority. Present law establishes a forest protection tax. Proposed law modifies present law by changing the tax to an assessment. Present law establishes a forest Protection Fund. Proposed law retains present law. Present law directs the Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry to expend monies in the fund to acquire and maintain equipment for the protection of forest lands from damage by fire or other causes. Proposed law retains present law. Present law directs all unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund to the state general fund. Proposed law modifies present law by directing all unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund to the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority. (Amends R.S. 3:4321)