Louisiana House Bill HB566

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/19
• Refer: 3/29/19
• Refer: 4/8/19
• Report Pass: 4/25/19
• Engrossed: 5/8/19
• Refer: 5/9/19
• Report Pass: 5/27/19
• Enrolled: 5/31/19
• Chaptered: 6/3/19
• Passed: 6/3/19

Caption

Authorizes the governing authority of St. Bernard Parish to levy a hotel occupancy tax (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)

Impact

With the authorization of HB 566, St. Bernard Parish is empowered to implement a targeted tax that could significantly bolster its budget for essential services. The passage of this tax is expected to create a dedicated financial resource for fire protection, aiming to improve response times and service quality. The bill necessitates that local legislators adhere to electoral processes to ensure transparency and public engagement in tax-related decisions.

Summary

House Bill 566 allows the governing authority of St. Bernard Parish to levy a hotel occupancy tax, contingent upon voter approval. The tax rate is capped at three dollars per room per night, providing local officials with a new revenue stream that is specifically designated for funding fire protection services within the parish. This legislation is part of broader efforts to enhance local funding mechanisms without placing additional burdens on existing taxpayers.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 566 appears to be supportive among local government officials and those advocating for improved fire services. The concept of allowing local control over taxation aligns with principles of decentralizing financial responsibility and enhancing local governance. However, concerns may arise from constituents who worry about potential increases in costs associated with hotel stays, which could deter tourism and impact local businesses.

Contention

While HB 566 has largely been met with support, possible points of contention could revolve around the specifics of how the tax is collected and allocated. Skeptics might question whether the revenue generated will indeed be effectively channeled into fire protection services or if the ordinance could lead to higher lodging prices, impacting the tourism sector. Proponents, however, argue that the benefits of improved fire service far outweigh these potential downsides.