Budget & Taxes

HB 214 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not yet enacted) that would allow Louisiana property owners to qualify for an optional property tax exemption on blighted or derelict properties after rehabilitation. It requires the legislature to define terms like "blighted property" and establish rules for the exemption, including its duration and administration. The exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1, 2027, if approved by voters in November 2026. This change directly affects property owners who rehabilitate eligible properties and local governments that would administer the program.

HB 646 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a spending limit for Louisiana's state general fund. It requires the legislature to set an annual limit based on Louisiana's personal income growth rate, with a new "Government Growth Limit" starting in 2027-2028 restricting how much recurring revenue can fund ongoing expenses. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election to take effect.

SB 294 establishes an annual $5 million deduction for promotional play wagers in Louisiana gaming operations. It allows licensed casinos and gaming operators to assign unused portions of this deduction to other licensed operators (under Chapters 4, 5, or 7), with written reporting to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The bill amends definitions in gaming statutes to clarify how this deduction affects net gaming proceeds, gross revenue, and net slot machine proceeds calculations. This policy change directly affects licensed gaming operators by modifying how promotional play costs are accounted for in financial reporting.

SB 19 changes the name and design of a specialty license plate for Louisiana state retirees. The bill creates a new "State Employee Retired RSEA" plate, requiring at least 1,000 applicants before issuance. It adds a $25 fee for the plate, with all revenue annually sent directly to the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System to reduce the state's unfunded liability. This affects state retirees who choose to purchase the plate, with no changes to retirement benefits or eligibility.

HB 824 establishes an annual spending cap for Louisiana's state general fund by calculating a "Government Growth Limit" based on population growth and inflation (using U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data) from the previous five years. This limit restricts how much annual state funding can be allocated for ongoing expenses, requiring any amounts above the cap to fund one-time costs instead. Exceptions apply to funds from the Budget Stabilization Fund, federal funding replacements, or other designated sources. The bill affects all state budget decisions and requires the governor and legislature to adhere to this cap when proposing or approving spending.