Louisiana House Bill HB548

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/17
• Refer: 3/31/17
• Refer: 4/10/17

Caption

Establishes a rebate for state sales and use tax paid on certain industrial utilities (OR -$56,900,000 GF RV See Note)

Impact

If passed, this bill would create a direct financial incentive for manufacturers, potentially leading to increased investment and growth in the industrial sector. The rebate is designed to make Louisiana more competitive as a manufacturing location by reducing the operational costs associated with state sales and use taxes on vital utilities. This, in turn, could foster job creation and economic growth within the state as companies may expand their operations or relocate to the state to take advantage of the new tax incentives.

Summary

House Bill 548 seeks to establish a rebate for state sales and use taxes paid on certain industrial utilities, specifically targeting those utilized in the manufacturing process. This initiative is designed to provide financial relief to manufacturers who pay sales and use tax on essential utilities such as steam, water, and energy. By offering a rebate amounting to twenty-five percent of the taxes paid, the bill aims to support the manufacturing sector within Louisiana, which is classified under specific codes by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 548 is generally positive among proponents, particularly within the business and manufacturing communities. Supporters argue that the rebate will alleviate financial burdens on manufacturers and potentially enhance the state’s overall economic activity. However, there may be concerns regarding the long-term fiscal implications, as the state will see a reduction in tax revenues, leading to discussions about the sustainability of such incentives.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 548 involves the balance between providing tax incentives to promote industry growth and ensuring that the state can support essential services without significantly losing tax revenue. Opponents of such tax rebates might question whether the benefits provided to manufacturers justify the costs incurred in lost revenue. This debate centers around the prioritization of economic incentives versus maintaining robust state funding for public services.