Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB113

Introduced
2/26/18  
Refer
2/26/18  
Refer
3/12/18  

Caption

Constitutional amendment to remove the separate metering requirement from the definition of water sold directly to the consumer for residential use. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)

Impact

If passed, this amendment is expected to simplify the application of sales tax exemptions for water, particularly benefiting residents of multi-unit dwellings who currently may not receive such exemptions due to the metering requirement. This change could potentially reduce water costs for these residents and encourage more equitable tax treatment across different living arrangements. Additionally, it could streamline administrative processes for utility companies managing billing for multi-unit properties.

Summary

Senate Bill 113 proposes a constitutional amendment in Louisiana that seeks to remove the separate metering requirement for water provided to multi-unit residences in order to qualify for sales tax exemption. Currently, state law stipulates that water sales for residential use are exempt from sales tax only if each unit in a multi-unit residence is separately metered. By eliminating this requirement, the bill aims to extend the tax break to residents of apartment buildings and other similar properties where water is not measured separately for each unit.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 113 appears to be largely positive among its proponents, who argue that the bill promotes fairness and reduces tax burdens on lower-income residents living in multi-unit housing. Supporters view this amendment as a vital step towards recognizing the economic realities faced by many households in shared living situations. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the broader implications on state tax revenues and the potential for increased financial pressure on local governments if the tax base shrinks.

Contention

Notably, some legislators and advocacy groups may raise questions regarding the fiscal impact of removing this requirement on state revenues. Concerns might include the long-term sustainability of state funding for essential services that depend on sales tax revenue. The proposal indicates a fundamental shift towards increasing affordability for residential utilities, but it also prompts discussions about balancing individual tax relief with overarching fiscal responsibilities at the state and local levels.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB12

Provides a state sales and use tax exemption for water for residential use that is not separately metered. (Item #23) (7/1/18) (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)

LA SB4

Constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from state sales and use tax. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (RE DECREASE GF RV See Note)

LA SB27

Constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from state sales and use tax. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EG DECREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB534

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides an exclusion from state sales and use tax for bottled water

LA SB16

Constitutional amendment to provide for ad valorem taxes paid on certain property. (Item #31)(2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)

LA SB57

Constitutional Amendment to remove the income limitation for persons age sixty-five or older that qualify for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (1/1/27) (EG DECREASE LF RV See Note)

LA SB74

Constitutional amendment to remove the income limit on persons age 65 or older receiving a special assessment on residential property. (1/1/15) (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

LA HB486

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to state sales and use tax exemptions for food for home consumption, utilities for residential use, and prescription drugs (OR INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB412

(Constitutional Amendment) Dedicates the avails of the existing one percent state sales and use taxes for the support of public elementary through post-secondary education (RE +$113,000,000 SD RV See Note)

LA HB203

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to state sales and use tax exemptions for food for home consumption, residential utilities, and prescription drugs (OR +$187,000,000 GF RV See Note)

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