(Constitutional Amendment) Dedicates to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund the Deepwater Horizon oil spill penalty monies received by the state under the RESTORE Act (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
The bill seeks to reinforce the state's commitment to environmental restoration and resilience by ensuring that penalties from the oil spill will be utilized specifically for coastal protection initiatives. By directing these funds to a dedicated restoration fund, it aims to provide a structured approach to addressing the ongoing ecological and infrastructural challenges faced by Louisiana's coastlines. The proposed amendment also clarifies that existing limitations on fund balances concerning mineral revenues do not apply to the new allocations, thus enhancing the financial resources available for restoration projects.
Summary
House Bill 94 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at dedicating funds received by the state for violations of environmental and water quality laws related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Specifically, the bill stipulates that any revenues obtained under federal and state regulations resulting from this catastrophic event, which occurred on April 20, 2010, will be allocated to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. This fund is intended to support integrated coastal protection efforts, including coastal restoration and hurricane protection in Louisiana's coastal areas affected by the oil spill.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 94 appears to be supportive among environmental advocates and legislators concerned with coastal issues. Supporters believe that designating these funds specifically for restoration efforts underscores the importance of accountability for environmental violations and facilitates long-term recovery and protection of vulnerable coastal ecosystems. However, some may express concern regarding how these funds will be managed and the effectiveness of the restoration initiatives funded through this amendment.
Contention
One notable point of contention may arise regarding administrative oversight and the effectiveness of using the funds for their intended purpose. Critics might question whether the state will adequately manage the funds and ensure they lead to tangible improvements in coastal resilience and health. Furthermore, while the bill aims to strengthen legal frameworks, there may be debates about potential implications for how future penalties are assessed and used, as well as concerns about transparency and the monitoring of restoration efforts.
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires that monies received by the state from violations of certain federal and state laws associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill shall be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund (EG NO IMPACT See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires that monies received by the state from violations of certain federal and state laws associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill shall be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund (RE SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires that monies received by the state from violations of certain federal and state laws associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund (RE1 SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)
Requires that monies received from violations of certain federal and state laws associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop a proposal seeking Open Ocean TIG and RW TIG funds to monitor red snapper and other reef fish impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits certain transfers of monies through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund or the Budget Stabilization Fund (RR SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)
Provides for deposits of monies from certain settlement proceeds as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill into the Budget Stabilization Fund and the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly (EG DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Relating to the dedication and maximization of returns on payments received by this state for economic losses sustained from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Provides for deposits of monies from certain settlement proceeds as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill into the Budget Stabilization Fund and the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly. (7/1/14) (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.