Louisiana 2015 2015 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB671 Comm Sub / Analysis

                    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 671 Original	2015 Regular Session	Stokes
Abstract:  Dedicates the avails of all state taxes on tobacco and nicotine products that are  enacted
during the 2015 Regular Session for allocation to political subdivisions which levy a 
property tax, and establishes the Ad Valorem Tax Abatement Fund for purposes of the
dedication.
Proposed constitutional amendment, beginning November 1, 2015, dedicates the avails of those state
taxes upon the sale, use, and consumption of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative
nicotine products, and alcoholic beverages which are first enacted during the 2015 Regular Session
of the legislature for annual allocation and distribution to political subdivisions  which levy an ad
valorem tax on property, as of Nov. 1, 2015 ("eligible political subdivisions"). 
Present constitution defines "political subdivision" as a parish, municipality, and any other unit of
local government, including a school board, and a special district authorized by law to perform
governmental functions. 
Proposed constitutional amendment establishes the Ad Valorem Tax Abatement Fund as a special
treasury fund, hereinafter referred to as "the fund", for administration of the state revenues dedicated
to eligible political subdivisions pursuant to proposed constitutional amendment, as well as any other
monies which may be designated by law for deposit into the fund.  Requires the state treasurer, after
satisfying the requirements of the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, to deposit in and credit to
the fund an amount equal to the state revenues.  Monies will be distributed from the fund on a
monthly basis in accordance with a formula to be established by law. 
Effective Nov. 1, 2015, if and when the proposed amendment of Article VII of the Constitution of
La. contained in the Act which originated as House Bill No. ___ of this 2015 R.S. of the Legislature
is adopted at a statewide election and becomes effective.
(Adds R.S. 39:100.146)