Louisiana House Bill HB278

Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23
• Refer: 4/10/23
• Refer: 4/19/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Report Pass: 5/1/23
• Engrossed: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/16/23

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Increases amounts of severance tax revenues remitted to parishes and requires that portions of these amounts be spent on parish transportation projects (RE -$21,200,000 GF RV See Note)

Impact

The proposed change is expected to have a broad impact on the financial landscape of parishes where natural resource severance occurs. By increasing the maximum remittance from $850,000 to potentially $2.85 million (adjusted annually for inflation) beginning in 2024, the bill could substantially enhance the financial resources available to local governments. This financial boost is designed to improve transportation infrastructure while also maintaining funding for conservation projects linked to the Atchafalaya Basin, thus addressing both development and environmental stewardship in the region.

Summary

House Bill 278, introduced by Representative McFarland, proposes a significant amendment to the allocation of state severance tax revenues to parishes in Louisiana. The bill seeks to increase the amounts of severance tax revenue that parishes receive, specifically targeting revenues derived from natural resources other than sulfur, lignite, or timber. Furthermore, it aims to mandate that a portion of these funds be utilized for parish transportation projects, thereby directly linking increased state revenues to local infrastructure improvements. This legislative proposal is set to be presented to voters in the upcoming statewide election scheduled for October 14, 2023.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding HB 278 appears to lean positively, especially among proponents who argue that it enhances local autonomy and addresses critical needs for transportation infrastructure. Advocates suggest that by increasing severance tax allocations, the bill empowers parishes to better serve their constituents. However, some concerns have been expressed regarding the dependency on fluctuating natural resource revenues and whether these funds will be adequately shielded from potential budgetary cuts in the future.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the requirement that parishes allocate at least 50% of any 'excess severance tax' revenues towards efforts aligned with those funds received from the Parish Transportation Fund. This stipulation may engender debate over the priorities of local spending and whether it might limit parishes’ ability to allocate funds based on more pressing local needs. Critics may argue that this could effectively reduce their financial flexibility in responding to varied local demands within the means provided by such earmarking.