Louisiana House Bill HB194

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/25/14
• Engrossed: 4/2/14
• Refer: 4/3/14
• Report Pass: 5/19/14
• Enrolled: 5/27/14
• Chaptered: 6/5/14
• Passed: 6/5/14

Caption

Creates an individual income tax checkoff for Louisiana State Troopers Charities, Inc. (EN NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)

Impact

The introduction of HB 194 establishes a new mechanism within the Louisiana tax system for facilitating donations to the Louisiana State Troopers Charities. By allowing taxpayers to make such contributions directly from their refunds, the bill encourages civic engagement and support for public safety initiatives. Furthermore, the provisions include oversight by the House Committee on Ways and Means to ensure that funds are administered and reported on appropriately, helping to maintain transparency regarding how the donations are utilized.

Summary

House Bill 194 aims to create an income tax checkoff system that allows individuals filing their state income tax returns in Louisiana to donate all or a portion of their tax refunds to the Louisiana State Troopers Charities, Inc. This bill is designed to provide financial support to the charity through voluntary contributions from taxpayers, essentially enabling them to direct part of their tax refund towards supporting the charitable causes promoted by Louisiana State Troopers.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 194 appears to be largely positive, particularly among supporters who appreciate the opportunity for individuals to contribute to the welfare of the public safety community voluntarily. The bill's supporters argue that it offers a simple and effective means for citizens to give back and support those who serve and protect the state. However, the sentiment may also encompass some concerns about the implications of creating new tax checkoffs, such as the potential for complicating the tax filing process or the sustainability of funding for such charitable initiatives over the long term.

Contention

While there may not be significant points of contention highlighted in the discussions around HB 194, the overall potential impact on state funds and how it integrates into existing tax laws could be areas worth exploring. Critics may argue that allowing checkoffs could lead to a proliferation of similar requests from various organizations, which could dilute charitable contributions or complicate the tax system. Additionally, ensuring that the Louisiana State Troopers Charities effectively utilizes the funds with accountability might also require ongoing scrutiny and discussion.