Louisiana House Bill HB639

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/3/21
• Engrossed: 5/12/21
• Refer: 5/13/21
• Report Pass: 6/1/21
• Enrolled: 6/10/21
• Chaptered: 6/22/21
• Passed: 6/22/21

Caption

Provides relative to infrastructure funding (EN -$400,000,000 GF RV See Note)

Impact

The bill aims to solidify funding structures that are essential for long-term recovery efforts post-hurricane events, aligning state resources with federal initiatives like the American Jobs Plan Act. By mandating that certain revenues be allocated directly to these initiatives, there is a potential for strengthening Louisiana's resilience to natural disasters. Additionally, the funds may be utilized for improving state facilities, thus extending the bill's impact to broader economic and infrastructural developments in the state.

Summary

House Bill 639 focuses on enhancing infrastructure funding within Louisiana, primarily through the creation of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System Repayment Fund. This fund is designed to allocate necessary resources for storm damage mitigation projects, specifically relating to costs incurred by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. As part of its implementation, the bill stipulates that a percentage of new state general fund revenues will be directed into the fund to ensure its longevity and available capital for essential projects.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 639 has leaned towards positivity among legislative support. Written discussions highlight the significance of reliable funding mechanisms for addressing infrastructure needs exacerbated by severe weather patterns. Supporters view the establishment of a dedicated fund as a proactive measure, affirming the state's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure, particularly in hurricane-prone areas. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the management and allocation of state revenues towards this fund, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Contention

While the bill is largely accepted, some points of contention arise around the specific allocations from state revenues and the dependency on federal funds. Questions have been raised regarding whether the funding approach adequately addresses the diverse needs across Louisiana's regions, especially if certain parishes benefit disproportionately. Moreover, the bill may spark discussions about the balance between immediate infrastructure needs and other pressing social services that may require funding, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of the state's funding priorities.