Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB224

Introduced
3/29/17  
Refer
3/29/17  
Refer
4/10/17  
Report Pass
5/9/17  
Report Pass
5/9/17  
Engrossed
5/17/17  
Engrossed
5/17/17  
Refer
5/18/17  
Refer
5/18/17  
Report Pass
5/30/17  
Report Pass
5/30/17  
Enrolled
6/7/17  
Chaptered
6/22/17  
Chaptered
6/22/17  
Passed
6/22/17  

Caption

Dedicates state sales and use taxes levied on hotel rooms in residences in Orleans Parish into the New Orleans Quality of Life Fund (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)

Impact

The enactment of HB 224 is likely to bolster local funding for essential services in New Orleans, specifically targeting the administration of short-term rental oversight. By creating a dedicated fund sourced from hotel taxes, the city has an opportunity to address local concerns around code enforcement, which has become increasingly important as the short-term rental sector has grown rapidly. This could lead to improved regulation of rentals and ultimately contribute to better community standards and living conditions in the area.

Summary

House Bill 224 aims to establish the New Orleans Quality of Life Fund by dedicating certain sales and use tax collections from hotel services in Orleans Parish. The bill specifically mandates that revenue collected under the state's sales tax from hotels be redirected after obligations of the state's Bond Security and Redemption Fund are satisfied. The funds deposited into the New Orleans Quality of Life Fund are to be used for various local purposes and will be subject to annual appropriation by the state legislature. This initiative seeks to enhance funding for city code enforcement through the Short Term Rental Administration among other uses.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill appeared to be largely positive among proponents who emphasized the need for adequate local funding to manage the implications of the burgeoning short-term rental market. Supporters argue that such funding is essential to ensuring that the city can enforce existing regulations and maintain quality of life for its residents, thereby contributing to sustainable tourism policies. However, there may also be concerns expressed by those opposing dedicated funding sources based on particular revenue streams, reflecting a tension between fiscal stability and targeted appropriations.

Contention

One potential point of contention with HB 224 is the dependence on a single revenue source for sustaining the Quality of Life Fund. Critics may argue that this could lead to budgetary constraints if hotel revenue fluctuates due to changes in market conditions or tourism patterns. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding transparency and accountability in how these funds are utilized, particularly in ensuring they directly benefit the residents of New Orleans, rather than being absorbed into broader municipal budgets without visible impact.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB12

Dedicates the proceeds of the state sales tax collected on hotel rooms in Grant Parish to the Grant Parish Economic Development Fund (EN -$5,000 GF RV See Note)

LA HB613

Repeals the dedications of state sales and use taxes on hotel rooms into special treasury funds

LA HB610

Dedicates certain sales and use taxes. (EG -$6,900,000 GF RV See Note)

LA HB578

Provides with respect to state and local sales and use taxes and exemptions to those taxes (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB176

Dedicates the proceeds of the state sales tax collected on hotel occupancy tax in Grant Parish to the Grant Parish Economic Development Fund (OR -$5,000 GF RV See Note)

LA HB115

Dedicates state sales tax revenues collected from the furnishing of hotel rooms in Rapides Parish located outside the city of Alexandria to the Rapides Parish Coliseum Fund (OR -$35,000 GF RV See Note)

LA HB521

Provides relative to the levy of hotel occupancy taxes and tourism assessments in Orleans Parish (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

LA HB522

Provides relative to the levy of sales and use taxes in the city of New Orleans (EN +$12,000,000 LF RV See Note)

LA HB31

Repeals the termination date on the New Orleans Ferry Fund and dedicates a portion of the truck and trailer fees collected in Jefferson Parish into the Jefferson Parish Maintenance and Improvement Fund (Item #10) (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD RV)

LA HB612

Levies taxes on sales of cannabis and dedicates revenues derived from those taxes (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.