Louisiana House Bill HB508

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Requires all real property within a parish to be reassessed in the same year for purposes of statewide reassessment (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

Impact

If enacted, HB 508 would affect the statutory framework surrounding ad valorem taxes by mandating the full reassessment of properties every four years. This could lead to a more equitable tax system, as property values would be assessed consistently across parishes, potentially reducing discrepancies that arise from staggered reassessments. Furthermore, the bill is contingent on the adoption of a constitutional amendment related to property assessments, which means its implementation hinges on voter approval in a statewide election.

Summary

House Bill 508, introduced by Representative Hilferty, aims to modify the laws governing the reassessment of real property in Louisiana. The bill requires that all real property within a parish be reassessed and valued in the same year within a four-year interval. This essentially means that assessors cannot reappraise only a portion of the real property each year, thereby ensuring a uniform reassessment process across all properties within a parish. The intention behind this bill is to streamline the taxation process and create consistency in property assessments among parishes.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 508 appears to be generally supportive, as it aims to enhance uniformity and fairness in how property taxes are assessed. Proponents believe that equalizing the assessment process will alleviate confusion and disputes regarding property values among constituents. However, there may be concerns about the administrative burden placed on assessors and the potential for increased costs associated with executing a comprehensive reassessment in a timely manner.

Contention

While many may welcome the bill's approach to uniformity, it is likely that there will be discussions regarding its implementation timeline and the resources required by local assessors. Additionally, there may be apprehension from property owners who fear adjustments in assessed values leading to increases in tax liabilities. These concerns could lead to pushback during public discussions, especially in the context of broader issues related to taxation and budgeting at the local level.