Requests study of tax structure and policy in Louisiana.
Impact
If implemented, the recommendations from the committee could lead to significant changes in various aspects of Louisiana's tax law, including personal income tax, corporate income tax, property tax, sales tax, and severance tax. Additionally, the study will consider tax expenditures such as deductions, credits, exemptions, and rebates. These modifications aim to create a clearer, more straightforward tax system that better serves the needs of both residents and the business community in Louisiana, potentially improving the state’s economic climate.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 27 (SR27) urges the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study of Louisiana's tax structure and policy. The primary aim is to make informed recommendations that modernize and enhance the efficiency and fairness of tax policies affecting individuals and businesses within the state. The resolution reflects growing concerns about Louisiana's persistent budget deficits, which have been evident since the 2008-2009 fiscal year, as well as the need for a tax system that can provide stable revenue and support long-term fiscal health.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SR27 seems to be constructive and focused on reform. Supporters likely view the initiative as a necessary step toward addressing the inefficiencies in Louisiana's tax policies and aligning them with the needs of a modern economy. By examining various components of the tax system, the committee hopes to ensure equitable treatment of taxpayers and promote a more predictable revenue stream for the state government.
Contention
Although the resolution broadly calls for a study, there may be varying opinions on specific aspects of tax reform among legislators and stakeholders. Notable points of contention could arise concerning potential changes to tax rates, the balance of tax responsibilities between individuals and corporations, and the implications of these changes on different economic groups within Louisiana. As is common in tax policy discussions, stakeholders with differing views on revenue generation and fiscal responsibility could present challenges as the committee moves forward with its objectives.
Creates the Task Force on Structural Changes in Budget and Tax Policy to continue the budget and tax reform evaluations begun in the 2016 First Extraordinary Session and urges and requests the governor to support and implement initiatives for structural change introduced in upcoming sessions that will lead to savings through more efficient and effective state operations
Creates the Louisiana Sales Tax Simplification Task Force to develop a comprehensive plan to simplify Louisiana's sales tax administration and collection system. (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Creates the Tax Structure and Governmental Program Review Commission to study the tax structure, including tax laws and related exemptions, exclusion, and credits, and governmental programs and operations in Louisiana.
Requests the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, the Louisiana State University Public Administration Institute, and the Louisiana Tax Institute to analyze mineral revenues, taxes, and exemptions and to submit a written report of its findings to the Senate.
Establishes the Sales Tax Streamlining and Modernization Commission, as the successor to the commission established by Act No. 405 of the 2015 Regular Session of the Legislature, to continue the comprehensive study of Louisiana's state and local sales and use tax systems
Requests the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University Public Administration Institute, and the Louisiana Tax Institute to analyze mineral revenues, taxes, and exemptions and submit a written report of its findings to the legislature.