Louisiana House Bill HB583

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/19
• Refer: 3/29/19
• Refer: 4/8/19
• Report Pass: 4/25/19
• Engrossed: 5/14/19
• Refer: 5/15/19
• Report Pass: 5/20/19
• Enrolled: 6/6/19
• Chaptered: 6/19/19
• Passed: 6/19/19

Caption

Provides relative to jurisdiction of the Board of Tax Appeals and appeals (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 583 could have a substantial impact on state tax laws by enabling a clearer mechanism for questioning the constitutionality of tax regulations. This could lead to increased scrutiny of existing tax laws and potentially more litigation as taxpayers seek to challenge the validity of local ordinances. Furthermore, the bill is intended to streamline the appeals process from the Board of Tax Appeals to ensure that tax disputes are handled more efficiently and fairly, thus potentially reducing backlogs in the court system related to tax matters.

Summary

House Bill 583 aims to amend the jurisdiction and procedural regulations related to the Board of Tax Appeals in Louisiana. This bill specifically extends the Board's jurisdiction over matters concerning the constitutionality of local and state taxes and fees. Additionally, it clarifies the process for judicial review of decisions made by the Board, ensuring that appeals can be properly managed within the framework of state law. The introduction of alternative remedies for tax collection is also a significant part of the proposed amendments, highlighting a more structured approach for aggrieved parties regarding tax disputes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 583 appears to be generally positive among lawmakers and tax advocates who see the benefits in clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Tax Appeals. Advocates argue that the bill facilitates taxpayers' rights to challenge taxes they view as unconstitutional, enhancing the checks and balances inherent in tax law. Conversely, some critics may raise concerns about the implications of expanding the Board's jurisdiction, fearing it could lead to an overwhelming number of challenges that tax authorities might find difficult to manage.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 583 focus on the scope of its provisions, particularly in relation to the balance of power between state and local governance on tax matters. Some may argue that extending the Board's jurisdiction could infringe on local governments' abilities to enact necessary tax measures specific to their communities. Moreover, the bill repeals certain previous laws, which could also lead to debate over the implications for taxpayers and local authorities who may be affected by these changes.