Louisiana House Bill HB181

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/17
• Refer: 3/29/17
• Refer: 4/10/17

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Phases-in over a 10-year period an exemption for items constituting business inventory

Impact

The implementation of HB 181 is envisioned to provide significant financial relief to businesses operating in Louisiana by reducing their tax liabilities associated with inventory. As local governments currently impose these ad valorem taxes on movable and immovable property, the proposed amendment could shift the tax burden away from businesses, potentially stimulating growth and investment in local economies. Nevertheless, it could impact local revenue streams that rely on these taxes for essential public services.

Summary

House Bill 181 proposes a constitutional amendment that aims to exempt items constituting business inventory from ad valorem property tax in a phased manner over ten years. Starting from January 1, 2018, the bill plans a gradual exemption, beginning with a 10% exemption of the assessed value of such inventory and increasing annually until a full exemption is achieved in 2027. The items covered include goods held for sale, goods in production, and items used in marketing and distribution activities, thereby targeting small to medium-sized enterprises that rely on inventory for revenue generation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 181 appears to be largely favorable among business advocates and some legislators who argue that the bill would promote economic growth and attract new businesses to Louisiana. However, there are concerns expressed by local government officials about the long-term impact on public funding and the ability to maintain essential services. This divergence in views illustrates a broader debate regarding the balance between tax incentives for businesses and the fiscal sustainability of local government budgets.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for reduced local revenue, which some fear could adversely affect public services such as education and infrastructure maintenance. Critics argue that while the bill could benefit businesses, it may create a fiscal imbalance that could strain municipal budgets, leading to cuts in essential services. Additionally, discussions may revolve around how effective such tax exemptions would be in genuinely supporting business growth versus simply benefiting larger corporations that already have the resources to thrive regardless.