News Summary
The Shreveport City Council received an update on several significant legislative bills, including those affecting local utilities and nursing homes. Notable discussions included House Bill 480, related to tax programs, and House Bill 512 aimed at addressing blight. Additionally, concerns arose over Senate Bill 134, which could limit damages in nursing home lawsuits. The council continues to monitor these developments as the Louisiana legislative session nears its conclusion.
Shreveport – The Shreveport City Council received a legislative update from lobbyist Chance McNeely, outlining several bills that could significantly impact local utilities and the nursing home sector as the Louisiana legislative session approaches its conclusion in one month.
One of the most notable bills discussed was House Bill 480, introduced by Representative Danny McCormick. This legislation concerns the Caddo-Bossier Port’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs but has faced substantial opposition and has been deferred. This likely indicates that the bill will not progress further in the legislative process. Additionally, another bill from McCormick, House Bill 229, which sought to provide exemptions for certain food and beverages from local sales tax, also did not pass in committee, signifying roadblocks for local legislative efforts.
Two other significant bills were discussed during the council meeting. House Bill 6, introduced by Representative Steven Jackson, aims to address the misappropriation of utility funds by landlords. However, it has yet to be scheduled for a committee hearing, which may hinder its progress through the legislative process. Meanwhile, House Bill 262, dealing with the removal of unauthorized persons from properties, has also not been placed on the hearing schedule, raising concerns about its prospects for advancement.
Furthermore, McCormick’s House Bill 341, which proposed the repeal of the motion picture and production tax credit, did not pass in committee. In contrast, House Bill 512, introduced by Representative Tammy Phelps and aimed at combating blight in Shreveport, successfully passed out of committee and is now awaiting a full House vote, indicating potential support for revitalization efforts in the area.
On the Senate side, Senate Bill 63, sponsored by Senator Sam Jenkins, addresses collection practices for water and sewage charges in multi-family residential properties. This bill has passed the committee stage and is currently awaiting consideration on the Senate floor, showcasing legislative developments regarding utilities and residential services.
Additionally, Republican state Representative Raymond Crews withdrew House Bill 386 after facing bipartisan opposition. This proposed legislation sought to establish a framework for utilizing gold and silver as currency in Louisiana, demonstrating the diverse range of issues being debated in the current session.
Another critical point of discussion was Senate Bill 134, sponsored by Senators Thomas Pressly and Alan Seabaugh. This bill aims to limit damages in lawsuits against nursing homes, which has garnered scrutiny from advocates for senior citizens who argue that it could undermine accountability and efforts to improve care in nursing homes. The proposed legislation comes in the wake of numerous lawsuits filed against nursing homes in Louisiana, often centered on issues of neglect, injury, and wrongful death.
Critics suggest that the limitations posed by Senate Bill 134 may significantly reduce legal recourse available to residents harmed by negligence. Given that the nursing home industry has been a key political donor in Louisiana, it raises concerns regarding potential influences on legislative outcomes concerning these critical bills.
As the legislative session continues, the outcomes of these bills and their implications for the Shreveport region remain closely watched. The decisions made in the coming weeks will likely shape both local utilities and the future landscape of nursing home accountability.
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Additional Resources
- The Center Square: Louisiana Legislative Update
- Shreveport Times: Louisiana Stalls Gold and Silver Currency Bill
- Louisiana Illuminator: Bill to Protect Nursing Homes Revived
- KSLA: Rep. Tammy Phelps News Conference
- Shreveport Times: Harsher Penalties for Repeat Solicitation Offenses
- Wikipedia: Louisiana
