Louisiana House Bill HB130

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13
• Report Pass: 4/16/13
• Engrossed: 4/22/13
• Refer: 4/23/13
• Report Pass: 5/22/13
• Enrolled: 5/29/13
• Chaptered: 6/7/13
• Passed: 6/7/13

Caption

Changes distribution of the Ascension Parish Visitor Enterprise Fund (EN NO IMPACT LF RV See Note)

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws governing the distribution and use of funds aimed at tourism development. By clearly defining the allocation process, it ensures that resources are designated for promotion rather than mismanagement or misallocation. The legislation provides for funding divisions among various local entities, including the city of Donaldsonville, Gonzales, and Sorrento, which ensures that smaller towns receive a fair share of the tourism budget, thereby promoting equitable economic growth across the region. The bill is set to activate funding changes for the fiscal years following its approval.

Summary

House Bill 130 focuses on the distribution of the Ascension Parish Visitor Enterprise Fund, amending existing regulations to specifically state how funds are allocated among the parish governing authority and incorporated municipalities. The bill emphasizes that the fund's resources should solely be directed toward promoting tourism and related initiatives within Ascension Parish. The changes aim to create a more structured allocation framework that reflects the tourism needs of the area, intending to boost local economies through enhanced support for promotional activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 130 appears positive among local governments and business owners who see the potential for increased tourism revenues benefiting their communities. There was unanimous support in the voting, demonstrating a cooperative legislative effort to improve local economic conditions. However, it is crucial to consider how effectively these funds will be utilized by the municipalities to maximize their impact on tourism, as the bill implies a responsibility on local authorities to manage the funds prudently.

Contention

Despite the consensus on the benefits of promoting tourism, there could be underlying concerns regarding the precise mechanisms of accountability and oversight of the fund. Local officials may need stringent guidelines to evaluate the impacts of spending and to ensure that the funds allocated yield measurable benefits to Ascension Parish. Notably, while the bill garnered unanimous support in the Senate vote, ongoing discussions about transparency and the efficiency of fund usage will likely continue among stakeholders.