Creates an individual income tax return checkoff for donations to the Louisiana Food Bank Association. (gov sig) (EG1 NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)
Impact
The passage of SB203 would create a designated fund within the state treasury—the Louisiana Food Bank Association Fund—where the donations are aggregated. The fund would be managed by the state treasurer who is responsible for remitting the collected donations to the Food Bank every sixty days. This framework simplifies the process for individuals wishing to contribute, potentially increasing funding for the Food Bank's initiatives and enhancing its capacity to serve the public effectively.
Summary
Senate Bill 203, proposed in Louisiana, establishes a system that allows individuals to donate a portion of their state income tax refund to the Louisiana Food Bank Association via a checkoff on their tax returns. This initiative aims to support the operations of the Food Bank, which serves the community by providing food assistance to those in need. By enabling donors to allocate part of their refunds to this cause, the bill seeks to increase support for food security efforts within the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB203 appears to be positive, reflecting a community-oriented approach to addressing food insecurity. Supporters argue that this legislative measure encourages charitable giving and fosters a sense of collective responsibility towards those facing hunger. There is an acknowledgment in discussions that by facilitating donations directly through tax returns, the bill adds a layer of convenience for taxpayers without imposing additional financial burdens.
Contention
While there appears to be general support for the concept of aiding the Louisiana Food Bank, some skepticism may arise regarding the overall impact on state revenues and tax administration logistics. The decision to structure it as a tax checkoff may raise questions about the efficiency of collecting and distributing donations versus direct funding mechanisms. However, the absence of significant opposition in the provided voting history indicates that the bill was largely viewed as a beneficial addition to state tax law.
The Louisiana Make-A-Wish Act to provide an individual income tax return checkoff for donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation (EN NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)
Creates individual income tax checkoffs for The Louisiana Association for the Blind, the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Affiliated Blind of Louisiana, Inc. (EN NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)
Provides for donations of tax refunds to the Louisiana Association of United Ways/LA 2-1-1 through a check-off box on state income tax returns. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)
Creates an individual income tax return checkoff for donations to the La. Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.