Committee advances bill letting parishes raise homestead exemption to $12,500

The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee on May 13 advanced House Bill 271, a constitutional amendment proposal that would allow parish governing authorities to increase the homestead exemption on assessed property value to as much as $12,500 from the current $7,500.

Representative Willard, sponsor of HB271, told the committee, "HB 2 71 allows local parish governing authorities to increase the homestead exemption, of the assessed value of a property up to 12,500." The measure would require a statewide vote to amend the state constitution.

Supporters said the change would give parishes a local option to provide tax relief to homeowners facing higher insurance and other costs. A staff presentation noted the bill would amend "Article 7, Sections 20A1 and 20 one(one) of the constitution." The proposed statewide election date for the ballot question is Nov. 3, 2026, according to the staff 6.8A report adopted during the hearing.

Committee members adopted amendment set 2735 and the 6.8A report with no objection; a committee member moved to report the bill favorably and the motion carried by voice vote. The committee record shows no public testimony in opposition or support was entered for the hearing.

If approved by the full Legislature and voters, the constitutional change would let each parish decide whether to increase the exemption up to the $12,500 cap authorized by the amendment language presented to the committee.

The committee did not take up any implementing statutory language at this hearing; sponsors said the measure is a constitutional change and would not be accomplished by statute alone. The bill now moves to the next committee or the floor calendar with the committee's recommendation and adopted amendments.