(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to use of proceeds of certain taxes levied on motor fuels
Impact
If passed, HB 447 would significantly alter how the state allocates tax revenues from motor fuels. Currently, the TTF is used to fund a variety of transportation needs, but this bill would restrict the use of these funds for administrative expenses within DOTD and police operations. This change aims to ensure that tax dollars collected for transportation purposes are used directly for projects rather than for departmental overhead, potentially leading to a more efficient allocation of resources for infrastructure developments.
Summary
House Bill 447 is a proposed constitutional amendment concerning the allocation and use of proceeds from certain taxes levied on motor fuels in Louisiana. It seeks to prohibit the use of funds from the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) for operational costs of the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and for state police traffic control purposes. The TTF is primarily funded by state taxes on gasoline and motor fuels, which are dedicated to road and bridge construction and maintenance, statewide flood-control programs, and other transportation-related projects.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 447 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that restricting the use of TTF funds to only direct transportation costs is a step towards greater accountability and fiscal responsibility. They believe that it will lead to better infrastructure outcomes by guaranteeing that funds are utilized strictly for their intended purposes. Conversely, some opponents may view this amendment as a limitation on the state's flexibility to manage transportation and safety needs, potentially hampering operational capabilities within the DOTD and affecting law enforcement's ability to maintain traffic control effectively.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the implications this bill may have on the financial stability of the DOTD and local police departments. Stakeholders have expressed concerns that limiting the use of these funds could create financial shortfalls for essential services, particularly in traffic management. The debate centers around the balance between ensuring dedicated funding for infrastructure projects and maintaining adequate operational support for the agencies responsible for transportation and public safety.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the deposit and use of the avails of the taxes levied on gasoline, motor fuels, and special fuels (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires a certain portion of the monies in the Transportation Trust Fund to be used on certain projects (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Transportation Trust Fund monies from being used by state police for traffic control purposes and limits annual appropriations to other transportation programs (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
Constitutional amendment to provide, beginning Fiscal Year 2016-2017, for certain dedications from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to remove authority to fund state police for traffic control from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (RE NO IMPACT SD EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to rename the Budget Stabilization Fund to the Budget and Transportation Stabilization Trust and to provide for use of monies in the fund. (2/3s CA 13s 1 (A)) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)
Provides for the creation of the Budget and Transportation Stabilization Trust from the Budget Stabilization Fund and provides for use of monies in the fund. (See Act) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)