Budget & Taxes (Tax Incentives)

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.

This Louisiana constitutional amendment bill proposes changing the state constitution to allow parishes to increase the homestead property tax exemption cap from $7,500 to $12,500 for qualifying homeowners. The exemption applies to primary residences, including mobile homes, covering up to $12,500 of a property's assessed value, with parishes setting the exact amount within that limit. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, the change would take effect January 1, 2027.