DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 54 Engrossed 2020 First Extraordinary Session Ivey
Abstract: Establishes the La. Capital Investment Program which provides for the consideration and
approval of standard, local, and executive capital investment project ad valorem tax exemptions.
Present constitution provides for the exclusive list of ad valorem tax exemptions.
Proposed law provides for a statement of purpose for the La. Capital Investment Program, hereinafter
"program".
Proposed law provides a definition for the terms "board", "department", "local authorities", and
"parish authorities".
Proposed law requires the Department of Economic Development hereinafter "dept.", to adopt and
promulgate rules to administer the program in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Proposed law establishes a notification process that requires the dept. to notify parish authorities
within ten days of the creation or modification of a program. Proposed law further provides that the
notification shall include program details, deadlines, language for resolutions, and specific forms.
Proposed law establishes an enrollment process for the program. A parish can enroll in a program
upon the approval of all parish authorities evidenced by a resolution submitted to the dept.
Proposed law provides that if a parish disapproves participation in a program it shall submit a
resolution to the dept. stating such. Proposed law further provides that if no local authority notifies
the dept. that it disapproves participation within 60 days of the program's effective date, the parish
shall be automatically enrolled.
Proposed law authorizes a parish to change disapproval to approval by rescinding the disapproval
resolution.
Proposed law authorizes a parish to withdraw from a program within five years following
enrollment. Proposed law further provides a parish can withdraw if all local authorities submit a
resolution stating such. The withdrawal is effective 90 days following the dept.'s receipt of the
resolution.
Proposed law provides that if the legislature passes a law that substantively changes a capital
investment program a parish may withdraw from the program by resolution stating such. The resolution shall be submitted no later than 60 days after the effective date of the applicable
legislation.
Proposed law identifies businesses that constitute the manufacturing, technology,
telecommunication, healthcare, logistic, warehouse, and distribution sectors for the purposes of this
program.
Proposed law creates a standard ad valorem tax exemption for capital investment projects.
Proposed law requires the dept. to establish an application procedure for the standard exemption in
accordance with the constitution. Proposed law further provides that the board shall review a
standard ad valorem tax exemption in a timely manner and confirm program eligibility for each
application. Within ten days of confirmation, the board shall provide the applicant and local
authorities with a copy of the conditional approval.
Proposed law creates a local ad valorem tax exemption for capital investment projects.
Proposed law establishes an application for a local ad valorem tax exemption and requires the board
to design and provide the application forms. Proposed law further provides that to be eligible for
the local exemption an application must have received final approval by the board for a standard
exemption.
Proposed law requires the application for a local exemption to be forwarded to the parish governing
authority of the parish in which the project is to be located, within 15 days of board approval. Within
three days of receipt, the parish governing authority shall forward the application to each political
subdivision that levies a millage and in whose district the project will be located.
Proposed law requires the dept. to provide the parish governing authority and all relevant political
subdivisions an analysis of every proposed project requesting an exemption in the parish.
Proposed law provides within 60 days of receipt each political subdivision shall review each project
application in conjunction with the dept.'s analysis and issue a resolution or a letter, in the case of
a sheriff, approving or rejecting the application. During this time political subdivisions may hold
public meetings to receive public input.
Proposed law provides that if the political subdivision approves the application, the political
subdivision and the applicant, with the assistance of the dept., shall enter into a cooperative endeavor
agreement evidencing the exemption.
Proposed law requires that the parish governing authority provide the board with a copy of the
cooperative endeavor agreement and a copy of any resolution or letter approving the exemption.
Proposed law creates an executive ad valorem tax exemption for capital investment projects.
Proposed law provides that the governor may offer any entity an executive exemption. The exemption may be for up to 100% of the property taxes of the project and for a specific term to be
decided by the governor.
Proposed law requires local governmental approval prior to the execution of the executive order
providing for an exemption. A political subdivision must evidence the rejection of the exemption
within 30 days of receipt or the exemption will be deemed approved.
Proposed law requires the executive exemption to be evidenced by a gubernatorial executive order
providing the terms and conditions of the exemption.
Effective if and when the proposed amendment of Article VII, Section 21(F) of the Constitution of
La. contained in the Act which originated as House Bill No. 36 of this 2020 1st E.S. of the
Legislature is adopted at a statewide election and becomes effective.
(Adds R.S. 47:1721 through 1728)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Ways and Means to the original
bill:
1. Create new parts within the chapter.
2. Add a statement of purpose for the La. Capital Investment Program.
3. Add definitions for "local authorities" and "parish authorities" and remove the term and
definition of "political subdivision".
4. Add provisions for the adoption and promulgation of rules in compliance with the
Administrative Procedure Act.
5. Add provisions relative to the notification, enrollment, and withdrawal processes.
6. Add provisions to identify different industry sectors established within the La. Capital
Investment Program.
7. Change the processes for the review and approval of the standard exemption.
8. Make technical changes.