Louisiana Senate Bill SB373

Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/24
• Refer: 3/1/24
• Refer: 3/11/24
• Report Pass: 3/12/24
• Engrossed: 3/19/24
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Report Pass: 5/6/24
• Enrolled: 5/21/24
• Chaptered: 5/28/24
• Passed: 5/28/24

Caption

Provides relative to individual income tax checkoff for donations to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

Impact

If enacted, SB 373 would have a direct impact on the funding mechanisms for coastal protection and restoration efforts in Louisiana. By allowing taxpayers to easily contribute a portion of their tax refunds to this fund, the state could potentially increase revenue dedicated to coastal initiatives. This is particularly crucial for Louisiana, which faces significant environmental challenges due to coastal erosion and climate change. The change is expected to facilitate more consistent funding and support for projects aimed at preserving the state's vital coastal ecosystems.

Summary

Senate Bill 373 aims to amend the existing provisions related to the Louisiana state individual income tax return checkoff for donations to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. Specifically, it clarifies the statutory citation to the fund and offers taxpayers the option to designate all or a portion of their income tax refunds towards this fund. This bill is intended to streamline the process for taxpayers wishing to contribute to coastal protection efforts, effectively merging environmental priorities with tax policy.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB 373 appears to be largely positive among legislators and environmental advocacy groups. Supporters view the bill as a proactive measure that aligns fiscal policy with the state's environmental needs. The unanimous voting record of 95-0 in the House indicates strong bipartisan support for the bill, reflecting a shared acknowledgment of the importance of coastal protection in Louisiana's future. This overwhelming support suggests that lawmakers recognize the value of engaging citizens in funding environmental efforts through tax incentives.

Contention

While no significant points of contention were noted during the voting process for SB 373, there may still be underlying concerns regarding the extent to which taxpayers are willing to participate in the checkoff program. Some stakeholders might argue about the effectiveness of voluntary contributions versus mandatory funding mechanisms. Moreover, discussions could arise in the future concerning transparency and accountability in the deployment of funds collected through this program, ensuring they are used effectively for the intended purposes of coastal restoration.