Louisiana Senate Bill SB85

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/22
• Refer: 2/25/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/21/22
• Engrossed: 3/24/22
• Refer: 3/28/22
• Report Pass: 5/2/22
• Enrolled: 5/12/22
• Chaptered: 5/17/22
• Passed: 5/17/22

Caption

Creates an individual income tax refund checkoff donation for Maddie's Footprints. (8/1/22) (EN NO IMPACT SG EX See Note)

Impact

The implementation of SB85 will create a new section within the Louisiana Revised Statutes that governs individual income tax checkoff donations. It will allow taxpayers a new option to support Maddie's Footprints, which is likely to enhance fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization. The measure seeks to encourage charitable contributions during the tax filing process without imposing additional taxes or fees on citizens. This could have implications on how donors perceive their tax liabilities and the ease of charitable giving.

Summary

Senate Bill 85 (SB85) establishes a mechanism for Louisiana taxpayers to designate a portion of their individual income tax refunds as donations to 'Maddie's Footprints.' Specifically, taxpayers who are eligible for a refund can choose to redirect all or part of that refund to support the organization, thus decreasing their refund amount correspondingly. This checkoff donation system is designed to facilitate charitable giving and allows taxpayers to contribute to a cause directly through their tax filings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB85 appears to be predominantly positive, characterized as a community-oriented initiative aimed at supporting a meaningful cause. Supporters appreciate the collaboration between state tax systems and charitable organizations, fostering a culture of giving among taxpayers. This positive perception aligns with broader trends toward integrating social responsibility within tax practices, though opposition may arise from those concerned about potential administrative burdens on the tax system or the precedent it sets for future checkoff options.

Contention

While SB85 has received broad support, there may be reasonable concerns regarding its lifespan and sustainability. The bill states that the donation provision will expire on January 1, 2027, which raises questions about the long-term viability of this funding source for Maddie's Footprints and whether the legislative body will renew the checkoff in future sessions. Additionally, discussions around similar legislative measures could arise regarding how many charities can be supported through tax checkoff donations and the administrative efficiency of managing multiple checkoff options.