Louisiana House Bill HB808

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of the Louisiana Board of Tax Appeals recommendation in the matter of "General Motors v. T.A. "Tim" Barfield, Jr., Acting Secretary of the Department of Revenue, State of Louisiana, and the State of Louisiana"

Impact

If enacted, HB 808 will fulfill the financial obligations dictated by the Board of Tax Appeals regarding a settled claim against the state of Louisiana. This allocation from the state’s General Fund highlights the fiscal responsibilities that state government entities have when dealing with decisions rendered by judicial bodies such as the Board of Tax Appeals. The bill allows the state to maintain its credibility and financial commitments to companies like General Motors, which can have implications for future business relations and economic development within the state.

Summary

House Bill 808 is an appropriation bill introduced during the 2016 Regular Session by Representative Henry. The primary purpose of this bill is to allocate funding from the General Fund of the State of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2016-2017. Specifically, it earmarks a total of $2,851,309.72 to be used for settling a recommendation made by the Louisiana Board of Tax Appeals in favor of General Motors Company. The bill addresses a legal dispute involving General Motors and the state, centering on a tax matter that was brought before the Board of Tax Appeals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 808 appears to be pragmatic, as the bill is largely a procedural measure necessary to meet the state’s legal obligations. There seems to be a general consensus among legislators that appropriating funds to satisfy the tax appeals decision is essential for upholding the integrity of the governance process. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the impact of such appropriations on the state's budget stability, especially given the substantial amount being allocated.

Contention

One notable point of contention related to HB 808 involves the appropriateness of the amount being paid to General Motors. Some legislators may question whether this expenditure could be better allocated elsewhere, especially considering the state's overall budgetary constraints and fiscal responsibilities. Additionally, discussions around the bill may also touch upon the legislative intent and implications of such payments, including how they reflect on the state's handling of corporate taxation and legal matters.