Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SCR49

Introduced
5/5/21  
Introduced
5/5/21  
Refer
5/6/21  
Refer
5/6/21  
Report Pass
5/20/21  
Passed
5/24/21  
Engrossed
5/24/21  
Engrossed
5/24/21  
Refer
5/25/21  
Refer
5/25/21  
Report Pass
6/1/21  

Caption

Requests the Department of Revenue and the state Department of Education to jointly report on the implementation of tax credits for donations to school tuition organizations. (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

Impact

The resolution highlights the need for clarity on how the STO tax credit program financially impacts both the state and students benefiting from scholarships. It calls for a comprehensive report to include metrics such as the total number of students receiving STO scholarships, the total revenue foregone due to the tax credits, and comparisons of state funding that would have been spent had those students attended public schools. The findings are intended to inform the legislature about the effectiveness and sustainability of the current tax credit structure.

Summary

SCR49 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges the Louisiana Department of Revenue and the Louisiana Department of Education to jointly report on the implementation of income tax credits for donations made to school tuition organizations (STOs). These tax credits have been in place since 2013, allowing taxpayers who donate to STOs to receive tax credits, with certain stipulations regarding the use of these funds for scholarships. The report requested by SCR49 aims to provide an assessment of the financial implications of this program on the state's finances and its beneficiaries.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SCR49 seems to favor transparency and accountability in education funding. By requesting this report, lawmakers indicate a desire to evaluate the impact of the tax credit system and ensure that it effectively serves its intended purpose—providing educational opportunities for lower-income families. This proactive measure suggests a commitment to understanding and potentially reforming educational funding policies to align with the state’s fiscal priorities.

Contention

While SCR49 emphasizes the importance of this review, discussions could surface regarding the effectiveness of the tax credit in achieving educational equity. Critics may question whether the funds are adequately benefiting students in need or if the system disproportionately favors certain demographics. Furthermore, the resolution does not address concerns about the potential budgetary implications of continuing or expanding such tax incentives, leading to debates about prioritization of state resources in educational policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB27

Provides relative to the tax credit for donations to school tuition organizations. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE See Note)

LA SB224

Provides for the individual income tax credit for donations to school tuition organizations. (1/1/20) (EG NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB443

Provides for individual income tax credits for donations made to school tuition organizations (EG1 -$705,000 GF RV See Note)

LA SB697

Authorizes a rebate for taxpayers who donate to certain school tuition organizations. (8/1/12) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

LA SB95

Changes the rebate for donations to certain school tuition organizations to a nonrefundable income tax credit. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA SB83

Provides for the individual income tax credit for donations to school tuition organizations. (1/1/20)

LA HB969

Authorizes a rebate for taxpayers who donate to certain school tuition organizations

LA HB621

Authorizes a tax credit for individuals and corporations which donate to certain school tuition organizations (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

LA SB220

Provides relative to the income tax credit for donations to school tuition organizations. (8/1/23) (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB434

Reduces the amount of the rebate for taxpayer donations to school tuition organizations which provide scholarships for certain students to attend qualified schools (OR INCREASE GF RV See Note)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.