CAPITAL OUTLAY: Increases the population limitation of municipalities for purposes of eligibility for a waiver of the matching funds requirement for capital outlay projects (EN DECREASE LF EX See Note)

Increased the population limit for municipalities qualifying for a matching funds waiver from 6,000 to 9,500 residents.

Revised the language regarding how the Division of Administration determines which municipalities meet population qualifications to align with the new threshold.

Updated the demonstration requirements for proving an inability to provide a local match to reflect the new eligibility criteria.

Adjusted the bill's title and summary text to accurately reflect the new population threshold.

The population limit for municipalities eligible for a funding waiver was increased from 6,950 to 9,500.

The population limit for parishes eligible for a funding waiver was increased from 12,000 to 12,000 (the number remained the same but was clarified in the text).

The law now explicitly excludes correctional facility inmates from population counts when determining eligibility.

New documentation requirements were added, including recent financial audits, rate studies for utility projects, and certifications that the applicant is not delinquent on debts or has not been appointed a fiscal administrator.

A new condition was added allowing waivers for existing utility projects only if the applicant agrees to increase utility rates to cover the cost.

Final approval for funding waivers was transferred from the Division of Administration to the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay.