Louisiana Senate Bill SB12

Louisiana 2020 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 6/4/20
• Refer: 6/4/20
• Report Pass: 6/11/20
• Engrossed: 6/23/20
• Refer: 6/23/20
• Report Pass: 6/24/20
• Enrolled: 6/28/20
• Chaptered: 7/13/20
• Passed: 7/13/20

Caption

Constitutional amendment to dedicate unclaimed property funds and to create the Louisiana Unclaimed Property Permanent Trust Fund.

Impact

The bill's establishment of the UCP Permanent Trust Fund signifies a substantial shift in how unclaimed property is managed in Louisiana. It solidifies the state's commitment to ensuring that citizens and rightful owners receive any unclaimed property, and it establishes administrative procedures for ongoing management and reporting. Additionally, by allowing investment in equities, the state can potentially enhance the fund's growth, thus creating a safety net for future claims. The outcomes of these financial strategies could significantly influence state funding and budgeting practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Louisiana Unclaimed Property Permanent Trust Fund. This fund aims to manage unclaimed property funds responsibly and ensures a dedicated source of payment for claims made by owners of unclaimed property. By creating this fund, Louisiana seeks to protect unclaimed assets while also preventing them from being appropriated for other uses. The bill allows for a portion of these funds to be invested in equities, aimed at generating additional revenue for the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 12 appears largely supportive among legislators, as evidenced by its unanimous passage in the Senate with a 34-0 vote. Proponents argue that it creates a beneficial and structured approach to handling unclaimed property, which had previously been at risk of mismanagement. However, concerns from some stakeholders may arise regarding the implications of investing public funds in equities and the resulting risks associated with market volatility.

Contention

While generally well-received, points of contention may arise related to the investment strategy of the UCP Permanent Trust Fund. Critics may express concern over the potential risks of investing state funds in the stock market, questioning the wisdom of exposing taxpayer money to the volatility of equities. Additionally, the lack of appropriations from the trust fund raises discussions about how surplus funds will be allocated, as they would flow into the State General Fund once the state's potential liabilities are covered. Legislators will need to balance the trust fund's financial management against skepticism about market involvement.