Louisiana House Bill HB755

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/22
• Refer: 3/4/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 4/18/22
• Engrossed: 4/25/22
• Refer: 4/26/22
• Report Pass: 5/15/22
• Enrolled: 6/6/22
• Chaptered: 6/16/22
• Passed: 6/16/22

Caption

Provides for the disbursement of monies received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)

Impact

The bill amends existing Louisiana Revised Statutes to create the Political Subdivision Federal Grant Assistance Fund, facilitating the administration of programs that assist local governments and businesses in obtaining federal resources. Such measures are particularly crucial for timber harvesting businesses and movie theaters that faced significant revenue losses during the pandemic. By ensuring targeted assistance, the legislation aims to mitigate long-term economic damage and support a faster recovery for these sectors.

Summary

House Bill 755 is legislation aimed at the disbursement of funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, focusing on supporting businesses and political subdivisions in Louisiana. The bill introduces programs designed to help entities access federal grants, specifically allocating money for initiatives like the Louisiana Loggers Relief Program and the Save Our Screens Program, which targets the entertainment industry. The overarching goal is to stimulate economic recovery in sectors severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 755 generally reflect a supportive sentiment among legislators, as it directly addresses recovery needs in Louisiana's crucial industries. Supporters view the bill as a necessary lifeline for businesses that struggled financially due to the pandemic. The unanimous vote in favor of the bill in both the House and Senate signifies a broad consensus on the importance of these relief measures for the state's economic stability.

Contention

While the bill garnered significant support, the potential for contention arises from the distribution of funds and prioritization of certain sectors over others, particularly regarding how assistance is allocated among different types of businesses affected by the pandemic. Critics may voice concerns about the viability of the Louisiana Loggers Relief Program's effectiveness and whether sufficient checks are in place to ensure equitable support across varying industries.