Budget & Taxes (State Budget)

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.

HB 303 modifies how Louisiana calculates per-pupil funding for certain charter schools by excluding specific state transportation funds. The bill targets Type 1, 3, 3B (non-self-governing), and Type 4 charter schools, excluding state-provided funds for transporting nonpublic school students (as defined in R.S. 17:158) when determining their annual funding amount. This change ensures those transportation dollars aren't counted toward the state’s minimum foundation program formula used to set charter school funding. The policy directly affects charter school funding calculations without altering the actual transportation funding or total state budget for schools.

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.