Louisiana Senate Bill SB10

Louisiana 2016 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 2/16/16
• Refer: 2/16/16

Caption

Establishes a baseline limit on the payment of rebates and the use of tax credits in a fiscal year for Enterprise Zone and provides a sunset date for the Enterprise Zone program. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)

Impact

The implementation of SB10 is expected to have a considerable impact on state laws regarding economic incentives and local businesses. By capping the amount available for tax rebates and credits, the bill aims to limit fiscal exposure while still providing some level of support to eligible businesses. The first-come, first-served approach for claiming these benefits introduces a competitive element, potentially creating uncertainty for companies relying on these incentives. This change may ameliorate budgetary strains but could also dissuade businesses from pursuing tax benefits that were previously more accessible.

Summary

Senate Bill 10 (SB10) establishes a baseline limit on the payment of tax rebates and the use of tax credits under the Enterprise Zone program in Louisiana. The bill sets a cap of $73 million on the aggregate claims that can be filed for these rebates and credits during any given fiscal year. This significantly restricts the potential financial outflow associated with the program, which previously had a more open-ended structure. Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that prohibits entering into any new Enterprise Zone contracts after June 30, 2021, effectively setting a termination date for the program as it currently exists.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB10 appears mixed, with some legislators supporting the bill as a prudent measure for managing fiscal responsibility, while others express concern about the restraints it places on economic development. Advocates believe that setting a defined limit encourages careful management of state resources while articulating a clear structure for tax incentives. Conversely, critics argue that such limitations could harm the opportunities available for businesses looking to invest in the state, thereby stifling economic growth in the long run.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB10 include the debate over the need for fiscal controls within the Enterprise Zone program versus the potential economic drawbacks of such restrictions. Supporters of the bill posit that it facilitates better governance by ensuring that tax incentives do not exceed manageable financial limits. Opponents, however, claim that the imposition of a cap, along with the prohibition of new contracts, could hinder economic growth and limit the state's attractiveness to new and existing businesses. This contrast highlights the broader tension between regulatory oversight and the pursuit of economic expansion.