Levies a tax on tickets for admission to certain college football games and dedicates the avails of the tax to passenger rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge (OR INCREASE SD RV See Note)
Impact
The bill seeks to establish the New Orleans and Baton Rouge Passenger Rail Fund, where the collected tax revenues will be deposited. These funds are intended to exclusively support the creation and enhancement of rail services, aiming to foster economic growth and improve public transportation options. With this funding, proponents hope to alleviate traffic congestion and promote environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. As it stands, the tax will remain effective until December 31, 2027.
Summary
House Bill 621 proposes the implementation of a $1 tax on each ticket sold for admission to certain college football games in East Baton Rouge Parish, specifically at Louisiana State University and Southern University. The revenue generated from this tax is earmarked for the development and support of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, a transportation initiative aimed at improving connectivity between these two major cities in Louisiana.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment regarding HB 621 is favorable among those who support improved transportation infrastructure. Advocates believe that enhancing passenger rail options will lead to increased accessibility for residents and visitors alike. However, feelings are mixed among constituents who prefer that any taxation associated with sporting events be directed towards different community needs, such as education or local development rather than transportation.
Contention
Notable contention surrounding the bill revolves around the use of tax revenue from sporting events, which some constituents feel should support activities directly related to the universities themselves or local community programs. Critics argue that the focus on funding rail service via ticket sales may detract from other essential services or needs within the community. Additionally, concerns exist about the sustainability of the funding model, particularly regarding whether the projected revenues will adequately cover the capital and operational expenses associated with implementing a robust passenger rail service.
Requires DOTD to initiate the necessary engineering, financial, and other studies to begin passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and along the Interstate 20 corridor. (gov sig)
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to include the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport in the passenger rail system between Baton Rouge to New Orleans
Authorizes the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish to rebate sales and use tax revenue collected on the sale of admission tickets to certain events
Authorizes the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish to distribute sales and use tax revenue collected on the sale of admission tickets to and concessions and parking at certain events (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)
Adjusts the amount of excise tax levied on gasoline, diesel, and special fuels and levies new taxes on gasoline, diesel, special fuels, and electric and hybrid vehicles (EG INCREASE SD RV See Note)
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)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.