[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6235285,"mediaKeyId","3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7","parentId",3406197,"title","House panel rejects amendment to raise excise tax on consumable hemp to 7%","audioSeconds",6364,"startMs",6364000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7&start=6364&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7/thumbnail_6364000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6235285/Louisiana/House-panel-rejects-amendment-to-raise-excise-tax-on-consumable-hemp-to-7","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235285-c4eb8cc689334da6c6df9595e3e9019e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404086&Signature=PRXdvZMrIYtpdrmohuVoxa5Y7AwG60Iv7cfdGs4THBDezKYnideo4JnjaSTMc4k2DCPYF2LdfVHwy1aoZt3XdN5dKS0mEGhp0F9I4IOrDtLjjO6LpYff59IdvVjNPGl4xBDgvVD5~pDKTwcD84WwwT7N0zycrKx52khdpEef-nzA0MSAQIJbO-0ALefy8XHpJRurmFAdJAG6DElFcOSflROG38L2ipjXjDLzGK6fCnodmAA0Oe1Ryy884sQd91-pobCCEkrWCpkmG9b8QtU3aHvVybTr-VIXqXD6sQ2kNDy9bC8UWCbQ9mbarvGi9tiYuRp0ilR9tS4LV4HZ~j3XVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","House Bill 187 by Representative Fontenot, as amended to set an excise tax rate of 7% on consumable hemp products (reduced from a proposed 15% in the amendment), failed to clear the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 19.

Representative Fontenot framed the amendment as an equality measure, urging that “it matches the tax on medical marijuana” and seeking parity between consumers who buy THC products with a prescription and those who buy taxed consumable hemp products at retail. He said proceeds are dedicated to early childhood education and that the amendment was intended to create consistency in taxation.

Industry witnesses and licensed retailers strongly opposed the increase, saying repeated regulatory changes and higher excise taxes imperil small businesses. Bill Richard, co‑owner of a licensed consumable hemp retailer, told the committee that the industry “has experienced remarkable growth” but warned a higher excise tax would force store closures and drive consumers to unregulated sources. Several retail and manufacturing witnesses said they had invested substantial personal funds, described a decline in permitted retailers and argued a tax increase could shrink the legal market and reduce, not increase, state revenue.

Representative Fontenot said he supported measures to prevent sales to minors and was open to stronger testing resources, but that he sought fairness with medical marijuana taxation. The committee recorded a roll call on the motion; the vote failed with 2 yeas and 10 nays, and the bill did not pass the committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Ways & Means May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Committee on Ways and Means rejected a plan to raise the excise tax on consumable hemp products to 7% after debate about consumer safety, industry health and tax parity with medical marijuana.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235290,"House committee rejects Shammerhorn proposal to levy per‑ton‑mile fee on carbon pipelines",1819,3800000,5619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7&start=3800&end=5619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7/thumbnail_3800000.jpg","/articles/6235290/Louisiana/House-committee-rejects-Shammerhorn-proposal-to-levy-pertonmile-fee-on-carbon-pipelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235290-46392a2774bdedc8aae530e3e3a92c49/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404086&Signature=MNtbYvACHsxA6-cMdrwo~5PTtYtLJqgFRW~4mvUZhfLA6zY048FvFP4oEF5DanADoiNiLrnqHA64atbIrtwIRkBj1u8KJGM4XCLbDsqRNlkfBpPP5j6miyFdcNtkafM3Dr-oB40f7wEaL69evzBnF03VEhAY-wj~DM-Nxd9uZptPhujUCtqzJ1zLeVgMy01RYWAC3vwBQ9~m-pNdnQiZb~ljuiFJLO4~BeGsWBRVpWAKMz4HuZjrmIWkfyTkNR93wG6JlT6CuSK8LK8znmCFIBcPA9owqL9vdNwdXLLRe64sP1Od~nuP7-lk3UJcko1v5RAAKLw25VbcNIubnvrCQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Shammerhorn’s House Bill 552, which sought to impose a 5¢ per ton‑per‑mile levy on the operation of carbon capture and storage pipelines and dedicate proceeds to emergency services and infrastructure within three miles of a pipeline, failed to pass in the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 19.

Representative Shammerhorn told the committee the proposal aimed to provide local governments with revenues to bolster volunteer fire departments and emergency response capacity. He said the fee — “the 5¢ that I’m asking for” — would allow parishes to “upgrade their fire departments, their emergency response” and would be restricted “to be spent within 3 miles of the pipeline.”

Members and witnesses raised legal, fiscal and practical concerns. Opponents said the levy would increase pipeline operating costs dramatically and queried whether it could be applied to lines used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or that cross state lines. An industry witness noted the proposal could raise operating costs and raised interstate‑commerce questions. A county tax assessor in support suggested local emergency needs were underserved.

The committee held a roll‑call tally on the motion to report favorably; the vote failed with 3 yeas and 8 nays and the bill did not pass in committee. Representative Shammerhorn closed by saying the fee is needed to provide local protections for residents near planned facilities.","House Bill 552, proposing a 5¢ per ton‑per‑mile fee on carbon dioxide pipelines with proceeds directed to local emergency preparedness within a three‑mile radius, failed in committee after debate over costs, scope and legal complications. The bill received a recorded count and failed to pass.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235295,"Legislature expands employer‑oriented childcare tax credit and places $5 million cap",963,2830000,3793000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7&start=2830&end=3793","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7/thumbnail_2830000.jpg","/articles/6235295/Louisiana/Legislature-expands-employeroriented-childcare-tax-credit-and-places-5-million-cap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235295-bb81e44d5e3e2bb8d248dc37eb8dff7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404086&Signature=er2RbdXXSjDIRxkwNtB0~dVOgGJvxpUNlnuUOHBZoBA1P3sQyOBBOP7mFXyMF2u8WB37-A3dCT63r-8t7V89JAqcCMQhWW6q4W9tSAMW474cgy9LZUQAWwU2EhLAYvaisekSriHCpp8VadEuDJEFnCIAiYCioa4VS5PTx-HMcDXN5BDcR~iOC3fPfO6JXN7M3xZTgg61PKaWrdbQ8Ygmi39qf8otgp9Xu~bmMLTSSf3gp23ZfD1NQOksfEY6eME2DpKIzI0cf9sjp0CtaCTnMg-ZThrn0SKN4G1MLpN2j3KOwO4bjndmgmuEKwjQrMKbew99wyMvZTS0cYhaKPzz9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 233, presented by Senator Edmonds, was reported favorably by the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 19. The bill renames and expands the existing School Readiness Tax Credit (SRTC) to increase incentives for employers to invest in child care for employees and to add a $5,000,000 cap on the credit.

Senator Edmonds summarized the proposal as a targeted expansion of a current refundable credit that allows businesses to claim tax credits for qualifying childcare expenses. “The percentage of the business expenses that are eligible for the refundable credit is based on the quality rating of the childcare facility,” Edmonds said, noting the program uses an established five‑star rating system. Witnesses told the committee that current utilization is low and the fiscal note showed about $500,000 in annual claims under the present program.

Testimony from business and economic development groups emphasized child care’s connection to workforce retention. Barry Irwin of Leaders for a Better Louisiana told the committee the expanded credit would “encourage businesses to a greater degree to put money on the table for their employees’ child care.” Anna Johnson of the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and Trey Godfrey of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber spoke in favor, highlighting employer recruitment and retention benefits.

Senator Edmonds said the cap was chosen to create a predictable fiscal limit; witnesses and members discussed utilization history and the goal of increasing employer participation to address childcare shortages. Representative Echols moved the favorable report; the bill was reported favorably and will move forward for further legislative consideration.","Senate Bill 233, renamed and expanded in committee, would reshape the School Readiness Tax Credit to increase the employer share of qualifying childcare investments, introduce a $5,000,000 cap and adjust credit percentages based on a facility’s quality rating. The committee reported the bill favorably May 19.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235300,"Committee backs moving motion picture production tax credit from statute to LED rulemaking",776,1500000,2276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7&start=1500&end=2276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7/thumbnail_1500000.jpg","/articles/6235300/Louisiana/Committee-backs-moving-motion-picture-production-tax-credit-from-statute-to-LED-rulemaking","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235300-18b51b6fd2967545055af18b89ff3e33/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404086&Signature=PUbGfk0xbtMw3RjjImfF6zIFdXfrXd5BsLsFxk-OqQzpD3v5BMMiftVu9WlLr25CUMbJO91kuXMqw4BbgjjSCEWhzSdwgEz53MkY-XzuMqFDiI-Eh8Wv44IsDpcBRBXVmluzLO9wmMa4snKW8LFHx2tT567qwKu7xSqH6P69EXutENg3EuPIJPQYKEkE6OsMXeroV3M3wW3ggc2pXvn~aOZQX5tdqOfagnz9FFhW84Y0WudJsTJvhH6Zou4k1r5yLc3wCjzduCD3fJ9dVDY9bRCNo294xrgK83zGuWdxYQY9~FIw--tsdJ~tmuSy076EMjTRsVTfW8BQN~PyzWydLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 232, carried in committee by Senator Bass, was reported favorably by the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 19. The bill would move the Motion Picture Production Tax Credit out of statute and into the rulemaking authority of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), allowing the agency to adjust program details by rule.

Senator Bass said the change is intended to make the incentive more agile and competitive. “This will align the program with the LED strategic plan by creating a modernized incentive that is more responsive and competitive in the industry,” she told the committee and said the bill “does not change the cap, and it does not change the sunset.”

Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, told the committee the department’s strategic plan calls for a flexible toolkit and said moving the program into rules would allow quicker changes when industry conditions shift. “The intention of this is twofold… our ability to change rules, our ability to pivot and to maximize the program based on how the economy, the industry and the program changes just helps us inside the department and it helps us make Louisiana more competitive,” Bourgeois said.

Committee members asked about oversight and geographic distribution of benefits. Senator Bass said an amendment on the Senate floor requires LED to bring promulgated rules back to the Legislature for approval, and she committed to securing a commitment from LED leadership to provide reports on projects and return on investment. Representative Echols asked about examples of how LED would use flexibility; Senator Bass cited an ongoing project in northwest Louisiana and said rulemaking would allow faster, targeted changes when an individual production or investor seeks adjustments.

The committee reported the bill favorably by voice motion. Several city and industry representatives filed cards in support.","The House committee voted to report Senate Bill 232 favorably, a bill that would transfer the Motion Picture Production Tax Credit from statute into rules administered by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) while keeping the program cap and sunset unchanged.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235305,"House committee advances bill to continue bonds for community and technical college facilities",793,503000,1296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7&start=503&end=1296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406197-76095395f45aa7c9a36cfe2c206724f7/thumbnail_503000.jpg","/articles/6235305/Louisiana/House-committee-advances-bill-to-continue-bonds-for-community-and-technical-college-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235305-83018e62de884afa348ff36a9e4cbd64/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404086&Signature=es7p0iEJH2OrqXYun4-DM3f7ZDL8AFu30AXX7JbYIu2ah7EF2OwPh~DHcX9mZLTnzIfX6jtdcD6jjtZdHhtRocA49FXSQWygfhu~g0KY1Nv7mslOnq8sJxYHjipSyFOPy5MrLrKBkPJP6~DIOfqiJYYeMdgLXqXBDNWp4k6qiwTl0lOOMX236KL36WqIRZFT7PnP3IKiCU8JIIRauDrvaJpbR82ytAog3SIq1L6OCmcHEKGobP1GHtjUZTCFv4J5oU4g22TP2K08Ow2rObgADp0zokwT4VlvYVty4mIU7jJC4~IbIALUV2v~7ZnVz0-F2O0Uaw3ntqCxjUd5apwQ-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 72, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Reese, was reported favorably by the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 19. The legislation continues a program that issues bonds to finance capital improvements across campuses in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS).

Senator Reese described the measure as “a continuation of the capital outlay initiative started by Act 360 of 2013 and Act 391 of 02/2007,” and said prior reauthorizations funded dozens of modernization projects statewide. “Every project is required to have a 12% local match,” he told the committee.

The bill would allow LCTCS to leverage bond financing to modernize training labs and facilities serving healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, IT and construction programs. Tim Hardy, chair of the LCTCS board, said the system trains technicians needed by businesses locating in Louisiana and called the funding “an exciting time for us.” Chan Le Labov, vice president for education at LCTCS, told the committee the funds would target equipment and lab modernization at listed campuses.

Committee members highlighted workforce needs tied to the bill. Representative Farnham and Representative Billings both spoke in support, noting the link between modern training facilities and local job pipelines. Vice Chair Brass pressed LCTCS and lawmakers to coordinate additional recruitment, dual‑enrollment and affordability programs so employers’ investments in the region will be matched by available workers. LCTCS officials said ongoing programs such as MJ Foster and other workforce funds have been exhausted and said the system is requesting additional funding to expand training capacity; they cited a requested workforce fund of about $30,000,000 to expand programming in targeted sectors.

The committee reported Senate Bill 72 favorably with a voice motion; Representative Farnham moved the favorable report. The bill was not recorded on a roll call in this committee action and will proceed to the next step in the legislative process.","The House Committee on Ways and Means on May 19 reported Senate Bill 72 favorably. The bill continues a capital outlay program that authorizes bonds to modernize Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) facilities and requires a 12% local match for projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House panel rejects amendment to raise excise tax on consumable hemp to 7%

House committee rejects Shammerhorn proposal to levy per‑ton‑mile fee on carbon pipelines

Legislature expands employer‑oriented childcare tax credit and places $5 million cap

Committee backs moving motion picture production tax credit from statute to LED rulemaking

House committee advances bill to continue bonds for community and technical college facilities