Louisiana House Bill HSR3

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

Caption

Requests the House Ways and Means Committee to study the feasibility of establishing an incentive program for development of new tourism infrastructure and assets in exchange for certain sales and use tax collections

Impact

If approved, HSR3 could lead to substantive legislative changes impacting state tax policies related to tourism infrastructure. The feasibility study mandated by this request has the potential to inform future tax incentives that could significantly alter how tourism facilities and services are developed in the state. The anticipated outcome of these incentives could result in improved infrastructure that attracts more visitors, thus boosting local economies and creating job opportunities in the tourism sector.

Summary

House Study Request 3 (HSR3) requests the House Ways and Means Committee to study the feasibility of establishing an incentive program aimed at developing new tourism infrastructure and assets. This initiative focuses on the potential exchange of established sales and use tax collections for the development of tourism-related projects, which are expected to enhance the state's attractiveness as a tourist destination. The intent is to create a structured process that evaluates the economic impact and sustainability of boosting tourism in Louisiana through legislative efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HSR3 appears to be generally positive, especially among proponents who view it as a necessary step to bolster Louisiana's tourism sector during expected budget shortfalls. Supporters believe that enhancing tourism infrastructure can lead to broader economic benefits. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the allocation of financial resources and the effectiveness of tax incentives, particularly among critics who are cautious about relying on tax expenditures to fund such initiatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HSR3 include the implications of implementing sales tax incentives for tourism development. While proponents argue that such incentives are essential for tourism growth, opponents may express concerns about the fiscal responsibility associated with this approach. Key discussions may arise regarding the method of funding these incentives and how they align with the broader goals of the state’s budgetary management, particularly in light of fiscal constraints.