Louisiana House Bill HB111

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/24/14
• Refer: 3/25/14
• Report Pass: 4/8/14
• Engrossed: 4/14/14
• Refer: 4/15/14
• Report Pass: 5/5/14
• Refer: 5/6/14
• Report Pass: 5/19/14
• Enrolled: 5/30/14
• Chaptered: 6/23/14
• Passed: 6/23/14

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to ad valorem taxes for fire and police protection in Orleans Parish (EN +$34,551,000 LF RV See Note)

Impact

The proposed changes to the taxation structure will result in new funding mechanisms that are specifically tied to fire and police departments. The bill stipulates that the revenues generated from these additional taxes must not replace existing funding levels for fire and police protections from previous years, thereby safeguarding the fiscal integrity of these essential services. If enacted, the additional tax will enable the city to provide enhanced emergency response capabilities and overall public safety measures, significantly impacting local governance and resource allocation.

Summary

House Bill 111 is a constitutional amendment proposing changes to the parish ad valorem tax system in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. The bill allows the governing authority of Orleans Parish to levy additional ad valorem taxes specifically for the purposes of enhancing fire and police protection services. These additional taxes, which can amount to up to ten mills on the dollar of assessed property value, are intended to directly benefit public safety and community welfare, ensuring that residents have adequate emergency services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 111 appears to be supportive among public safety advocates and community leaders who recognize the need for improved funding for fire and police services. The anticipation for better emergency response capabilities has been met with general approval from various stakeholders. However, concerns have also been raised regarding the potential burden of increased taxes on residents, leading to some apprehension among community members regarding financial implications.

Contention

Notably, HB 111 has sparked some debate, primarily around issues of taxation and public funding priorities. While supporters argue that enhanced resources for emergency services are critical for the safety of residents in Orleans Parish, detractors may emphasize the challenges of imposing higher taxes during economically sensitive times. The requirement for voter approval signifies an effort to engage the electorate in discussions about funding public safety, reflecting a dual commitment to transparency and community involvement in local governance.