Louisiana Senate Bill SB411

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/16
• Refer: 4/6/16

Caption

Requires disclosures to legislators regarding certain economic development projects in their legislative district. (8/1/16)

Impact

The law emphasizes a structured reporting process where the Secretary of Economic Development must share crucial project details with local legislators. This includes the number of jobs created, construction jobs retained, the amount of capital investment made by businesses, and the specific state and local incentives provided. This move is expected to improve accountability in how state resources are allocated to encourage economic growth and development at the local level. Effective August 1, 2016, this law establishes a new precedent for how economic development activities are communicated to legislators, thereby potentially influencing future legislative priorities and business relationships.

Summary

Senate Bill 411, introduced by Senator Brown, mandates that the Secretary of Economic Development in Louisiana provides legislators with disclosures regarding certain economic development projects within their respective districts. The goal of this bill is to enhance transparency and ensure that legislators are informed about state economic development initiatives that could impact their communities. By requiring reports that outline project specifics, this legislation aims to foster more informed decision-making and oversight regarding economic activities supported by state incentives.

Sentiment

Generally, there is a positive sentiment around the bill as it seeks to promote transparency in the relationship between the state and local businesses benefiting from state incentives. Supporters believe that providing legislators with detailed information about economic projects can help them advocate more effectively for their constituents. However, some concerns exist regarding the feasibility of sudden disclosures and the ability of the Secretary to meet these requirements without significant bureaucratic strain.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise regarding the administrative burden this bill places on the Secretary of Economic Development. Opponents may argue that the mandated reporting could lead to delays in project implementations, particularly if the information required becomes overly cumbersome. Additionally, there may be questions about the adequacy of the information provided and whether it truly supports improved legislative oversight or simply serves as an obligatory procedure. Striking the right balance between transparency and operational efficiency will likely be an ongoing challenge for the state.