Louisiana Senate Bill SCR125

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/16
• Refer: 5/24/16

Caption

Requests the Department of Economic Development provide certain data regarding the award of tax incentives to the Legislature.

Impact

The implementation of SCR125 will help provide clarity and accountability regarding the state's tax incentives, as currently there is significant uncertainty about the financial impact of these incentives on state revenue and budgeting processes. By mandating timely notifications of substantial tax incentive grants, the resolution aims to better equip legislators with the information they need to assess and track the implications of tax incentives on the state budget and fiscal health. This resolution could lead to improved legislative strategies and foster more informed decisions about future tax legislation.

Summary

SCR125 is a concurrent resolution aimed at enhancing legislative oversight regarding tax incentives awarded by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. The resolution requests that the department notify the legislature whenever a tax incentive certification of one million dollars or more is granted. This is intended to increase transparency and ensure that lawmakers are adequately informed about significant tax expenditures, which can impact state revenue forecasts and fiscal planning. The resolution arises in the context of a complex framework of state tax incentive programs that contribute dramatically to tax credits and rebates.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SCR125 appears to be positive, especially among legislators concerned about fiscal management and accountability. Supporters view the resolution as a necessary step to ensure that the legislature retains oversight of tax incentives that affect public finances. However, some skepticism exists regarding the practicality of implementation and whether mere notification will lead to substantial changes in how tax incentives are perceived and evaluated. There might also be concerns among some stakeholders about the impact on businesses and their ability to navigate these incentives if they face increased scrutiny.

Contention

While the intent of SCR125 is to promote transparency, potential points of contention may arise regarding how effective notification will be in preventing misuse or oversights associated with tax incentives. Additionally, businesses reliant on these incentives might argue that increased scrutiny could complicate the awarding process and discourage investments. The resolution also suggests a cooperative effort between the Departments of Economic Development and Revenue to track tax incentives, which could involve resource allocation and operational adjustments, leading to debates on budgetary impacts within state agencies.