The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by James Benton.
DIGEST
SB 178 Original 2023 Regular Session Stine
Proposed law provides that the legislature finds that the population of Louisiana is consistently
declining. Population loss translates into fewer customers and workers for local businesses and a
diminishing tax base for public services. The state of Louisiana and its municipalities could benefit
from a grant program that incentivizes individuals to move to this state and move the state forward.
Proposed law provides that the legislature recognizes that many municipalities are facing increasing
residential loss and uprooting and that there is a need for revitalization through creative initiatives
which attract new citizens. It is the purpose of proposed law to encourage immigration to Louisiana.
Proposed law provides that there is hereby created the "Grow Louisiana Grant Program", referred
to in proposed law as the "grant", which would allow local governing authorities to reimburse an
individual's annual individual income tax liability as an exchange for an out-of-state citizen or citizen
of the state of Louisiana relocating to a municipality that it governs.
Proposed law provides that the local governing authority shall establish the criteria for grant,
administer the grant, and establish rules necessary for the implementation of the grant.
Proposed law provides that the local governing authority shall appropriate funds to pay for the grant.
Implementation of the grant shall be subject to the availability of funds.
Present law provides that except as otherwise provided by law, the records and files of the secretary
of the Department of Revenue or the records and files maintained pursuant to a tax ordinance,
excluding ad valorem property taxes and ad valorem property tax assessment rolls, of any political
subdivision are confidential and privileged, and no person shall divulge or disclose any information
obtained from such records and files except in the administration and enforcement of the tax laws
of this state or of a political subdivision of this state.
Proposed law retains present law but provides an exception to the "Grow Louisiana Grant Program"
so that tax information can be used by local governmental entities for the purposes of administering
the Grow Louisiana Grant Program.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:9720 and R.S. 47:1508(B)(44))