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Committee backs constitutional amendment giving parishes option to raise homestead exemption
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Summary
The committee adopted amendments to HB 440 to allow parishes to raise the homestead exemption (up to an additional $5,000), but added a requirement that any local increase must be approved by voters; members raised questions about revenue sharing and shifting burdens to businesses and higher‑value homeowners.
Representative Newell presented House Bill 440, a proposed constitutional amendment that would permit parish governing authorities to increase the homestead exemption for primary residences by up to an additional $5,000. Newell said the exemption has not been increased since 1980 and argued the change would deliver immediate financial relief to homeowners facing rising insurance and living costs.
The committee adopted a set of amendments requiring that a parish governing authority’s decision to increase the exemption must also be approved by a local election and set an effective date of Jan. 1, 2030 for the change. Supporters emphasized parish‑level choice; opponents and business groups warned the shift could reduce revenue sharing and shift tax burdens to businesses and higher‑value owners. Jim Patterson of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry said municipal revenue and bond obligations could be affected if parishes choose not to compensate for lost revenue.
After debate the committee advanced the measure with amendments; an objection from one member led to a roll call on the motion to report the bill, which was ultimately reported to the next stage with objections recorded in committee.
