[{"_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",6088116,"mediaKeyId","2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc","parentId",2885658,"title","Senate committee reviews DENR budget, proposed consolidation and surge in federal energy funds","audioSeconds",2908,"startMs",58277,"endMs",2967160,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc&start=58&end=2967","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc/thumbnail_58277.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6088116/Louisiana/Senate-committee-reviews-DENR-budget-proposed-consolidation-and-surge-in-federal-energy-funds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088116-778b0f23fb329d90c86fd0439d30f68f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147637&Signature=dh77fTlNtvXIzR484hDqEBRMjZiiRBjKLDD2wft~KSSTl1qpcZm3PC-UKckY2z~J46pkpnDK~1jDZU~~kHoX3YpwlrRSK-W58Fjz5YG3Vc2Mx0AWnDFpoy24qpqFQ4LAr7CTt1eH79wr0t~l3bV-cw05nbgNtJ0W9bhry4AQD6OBrzdL0cxZAv7eJzGZB88gyT1XwcvL8aM3c9JKytDRJXozSHrzgBIsx6xkut4u9UXY6MA8MYIzp4wVVwV0v1K4SJlt~MbmMnDy64IPTGVEhzVrOd~He55dIFTNosV-HNbti4ceCmYzENQccrpFKkQeIzIYVuX6y5sZOn1uBUiOKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Finance Committee heard a briefing on the Department of Energy and Natural Resources budget and organization, including a proposal to consolidate the Office of Conservation into the Office of the Secretary and a sharp increase in federal funding tied to new energy programs.

Carrie Couvillion, fiscal analyst with the Senate Fiscal Services Division, told the committee the department’s FY26 recommended budget would be centered under “1 agency, the office of the secretary” if the consolidation is adopted, and highlighted a large rise in federal budget authority beginning in FY23 tied to grants and rebate programs. “What will immediately jump out at you is the increased federal budget authority since about FY '23,” she said, and identified several federal grants and rebate programs as the principal drivers.

Couvillion said roughly 53% of the department’s recommended budget is federal funding, with statutory dedications at about 22% and fees at 10%. She identified four federal- or grant-funded rebate programs that account for most of the new federal authority: the HERO (Hub for Energy Resilience Operations) pilots, home efficiency rebates, home electrification and appliance rebates, and the Solar for All grant. Couvillion told senators that HERO was awarded federal funding in October 2024 and that 13 initial pilot projects have been selected and are in implementation. She said the combined multi‑year totals under current projections could be large: approximately $249 million for HERO across FY25–FY32, about $106 million for one home rebate program, about $105 million for another home rebate program, and roughly $156 million associated with Solar for All.

Tyler Gray, Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources, told the committee the consolidation and other internal efficiencies arise from an executive order directing the department to review organizational structures and possible consolidation with other energy and natural‑resources entities. Gray said his office will present a legislative reorganization package in the coming session to “build more vertical integration and efficient use of the resources.” He described the principle guiding the effort as “administrative flexibility with transparent oversight.”

Committee members pressed department staff on several topics: proposed changes to state and advisory boards, the department’s plans to oversee groundwater resources and the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District, and how the state will handle orphaned or improperly plugged wells.

Gray said the department will evaluate each board and commission on a case‑by‑case basis and that some authorities’ responsibilities would be vested in the State Mineral and Energy Board while other boards might be converted to advisory roles. He said the oilfield site restoration commission’s power has already been transferred to the State Mineral and Energy Board.

On orphan wells and carbon sequestration, Deputy Secretary Dustin Davidson and Gray described efforts to identify and remediate abandonment and legacy plugging problems that can create leak paths important to public‑safety and carbon‑storage evaluations. Gray said the state has increased fees at a tiered rate and created a Natural Resources Trust Authority to aggregate funding from fees, leases, carbon‑capture agreements and federal grants to accelerate well plugging. “We plan to take the funding in addition to existing revenue that we already have through our state mineral and energy fund,” Gray said.

Senators also asked about the timing of rebate rollouts. Department staff said proposals for home efficiency and electrification rebates received conditional awards in January 2025 and anticipated rollouts this summer pending final federal approvals. The Solar for All planning year is awaiting EPA approval.

Why it matters: The department’s FY26 proposal shifts internal structure and brings sizable federal grant authority into the department. That increase changes how budget projections behave (monthly spending looks different when large federal awards are present), shifts what staff and systems the department must manage, and elevates questions about long‑term oversight of rebate programs and large, multi‑year federal grants.

Looking ahead: Gray said the department will bring a legislative reorganization package to the session and continue public outreach on major permitting and carbon‑sequestration proposals. Senators asked staff for more details on the HERO pilot projects and a more complete timeline for rebate program rollouts.

Ending: Committee staff said they will follow up with written answers on pilot locations, program timelines, and the department’s proposed legislative package.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Finance Senate 03/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Finance Committee heard a briefing on a proposed FY26 reorganization of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources that would fold the Office of Conservation into the Office of the Secretary, and on a large rise in federal funds tied to new rebate and grant programs.","taxTitle","Finance, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Louisiana","taxId",24289,"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},6088096,"Inspector General summarizes work, criminal investigations and restitution wins to Finance Committee",534,13711700,14246466,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc&start=13711&end=14246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc/thumbnail_13711700.jpg","/articles/6088096/Louisiana/Inspector-General-summarizes-work-criminal-investigations-and-restitution-wins-to-Finance-Committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088096-80597f5788255b488533c94734bcc8b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147637&Signature=YGv3nEIhRPzX5r52c~JV~xJwkkJHQu13RbTMj6MOHWRnTjvylDm-mCeEBw7XckCHA1ZbphPIfkY2Jkw7M0bpKxpppJSyCt7HQznalGGYZ4~yrl7iL1Bg6zWbwzu7cnfaO6bUwy7ef6KF9yeSCNaxkYp-Ht8HqR9IXQN3exjNQhJzwOGESOAVvde6YmwyGPNCTwRfQKx9~n~Y72jNF4NYD5VmyZQctdYnG6jb6iJIwUPlD7rEM~iche7l4w1gzUmiPa~Ct~9DjEhzuwCnzyNfPIOS-JpYFEWu9nSFPN8epTx2dD9V~ht77BWAwCfFKyOeBBnAyoNtlZpNrYnyqqrxtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Finance Committee received a short briefing from the Office of the Inspector General on its FY26 budget and investigative work.

Chaz Nicholson presented the agency’s FY26 recommendation: the Office of Inspector General’s budget is largely State General Fund with a small federal award on a reimbursement basis; FY26 recommended authority is approximately $2.4 million and 15 authorized positions. Nicholson noted the office spends most of its allocation on personnel and typically operates close to its enacted budget.

Inspector General (name not specified in the transcript) summarized the office’s mission and recent work. He said the office was converted from an audit focus toward law enforcement over the past decade and now conducts criminal investigations related to fraud and public corruption. The inspector general said his office also issues oversight reports and recently released consequential reports involving juvenile justice and child welfare that prompted follow‑up actions. He gave examples of criminal investigations that led to restitution and enforcement outcomes, and said his office will continue investigating cases with criminal or public‑integrity components.

Why it matters: The Inspector General’s investigations can result in criminal referrals, restitution, and policy changes; the office’s work is relevant to fraud prevention and oversight of public funds.

Looking ahead: The inspector general told senators the office will continue to investigate cases and report findings to the Legislature as appropriate.","The Office of Inspector General told the Senate Finance Committee it remains focused on criminal investigations into fraud and public corruption and highlighted recent investigative work and restitution outcomes.",{"_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},6088101,"Civil Service director briefs committee on state workforce trends, turnover and municipal fire & police funding",2165,11523190,13688715,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc&start=11523&end=13688","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc/thumbnail_11523190.jpg","/articles/6088101/Louisiana/Civil-Service-director-briefs-committee-on-state-workforce-trends-turnover-and-municipal-fire-police-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088101-d8a3767eb2badb92c54d49a2078d7e38/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147637&Signature=H3aMHLP1PntkAlsXqetYBRiDswN4hjaiN36qStolKLj6RJ5za8tf~-J0~FkBb290cz8fStrzpy9IYZ9nYSN4V8A6WaLvg6hxaJLuXHaTy1fuh4CiQNnsUEYkNXbBSNXaQ-ZhsHTllRZtJGBxkGOz~SR6jNApy9D1txyoF9DVeJxlRHan9bfMyTAnJqAK2duk3qHGqmlm1LS3Hs33oDOemnE-lvU82oHecgNglJyxUjafKisSlCJmRa~K2ZGs9-rw7KkmudacsM6h3kJzZP9BvX32irPG6dX9p5P19avmKNmNGnOizMhINnxxWhWbBcz8YkyIBDL8e1YZbSje-nDk8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Finance Committee heard an overview of the state workforce, turnover trends and the budgets for the five agencies within the Department of Civil Service.

Chaz Nicholson of Senate Fiscal Services summarized the five agencies that fall under the civil service umbrella and gave a program‑level budget overview. The combined FY26 recommendation across those agencies totals approximately $27.1 million with 184 authorized positions. Nicholson noted the municipal fire and police civil service unit is funded by a statutorily dedicated account and that a large database development appropriation has largely run its course.

Director Byron Decoteau of State Civil Service told the committee the agency’s mission is to provide statewide classification, pay‑plan and human‑resources tools to “attract, develop and retain a workforce.” He described recent work on skills‑based hiring and implementation of Act 655—legislative changes that limit requiring a degree or more than three years’ experience at initial hire except where law requires it. Decoteau described the agency’s role in advising administration and agencies on recruitment, classification and pay comparators.

Senators were shown workforce reports: the state’s classified headcount has stabilized near the low‑60,000s after a downward period, and turnover and voluntary separation rates have trended modestly up in recent years, with higher turnover concentrated in corrections and juvenile justice positions. Nicholson presented additional data on position categories with the highest turnover (corrections cadets, juvenile justice specialists, and some LDH roles).

Why it matters: Civil Service shapes how state jobs are recruited and classified and the agency’s guidance affects agency ability to hire and retain staff. Skills‑based hiring changes are intended to expand candidate pools for entry‑level roles where degrees were not previously necessary.

Looking ahead: Decoteau said State Civil Service will continue to help agencies implement skills‑based hiring, support pay comparisons when requested, and supply workforce data to assist legislative oversight and budget planning.","State Civil Service presented workforce trends, turnover and budget details for the department's five agencies and discussed recent policy changes on minimum qualifications and skills‑based hiring.",{"_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},6088106,"Committee examines juvenile justice budget, Jetson intake plan and staffing, seeks more funding for treatment and reentry",2026,5494620,7520824,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc&start=5494&end=7520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc/thumbnail_5494620.jpg","/articles/6088106/Louisiana/Committee-examines-juvenile-justice-budget-Jetson-intake-plan-and-staffing-seeks-more-funding-for-treatment-and-reentry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088106-21f8f181e0e482ac6a4a5bb0fa624f85/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147637&Signature=f0RnNsUY4H7otK8ESxrbnR3s4Mg1ZSYiaO-TYMd0LCWGZTfbAj78Djxeowj7g63k1sh0FBQHe~cbXXYDsV3FnEHfPbn2~kYAEjDuHYcIUgbaK-o7kNmlKNQMN7YnltX2zUXnWhvAerISpQjqNB0Wrrdc9eXQmmjtLGwbrIcrjRI4kRsw2bnCCYpBxA9PBrGTLr0UU9RqbnGcRqfVWyM013Hpv~OYogNAjI8gOT72mhJfMg2DtnfXEE44OgFLNz5Uk0H7m26gBBBGQ0sVms-dvYnHTH7C4OI4C~uRTWxepWSIixOcbWHtJDBJ3t0tRhP919pJgfxKMSZOTvyWHOMCKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Finance Committee discussed the Office of Juvenile Justice’s FY26 budget recommendation and operational plans, including interim funding for Jetson Center beds, new vocational programming, staffing efforts and measures to reduce recidivism.

Carrie Couvillion of the Senate Fiscal Services Division presented the OJJ budget. She said FY26 recommended authority increases to about $197.8 million with 1,070 authorized TO positions, a net increase of approximately $19.5 million over current year authority. The largest single agency‑specific adjustment listed was a request of about $12.7 million and 77 TO to fund 44 interim beds at Jetson as the facility transitions to a new Jetson campus and the state prepares a new secure facility. Couvillion also listed projected supplemental needs for FY25 totaling roughly $22.7 million, mostly for personal services and contract services.

Secretary Damon Lofton (Secretary Lofton in transcript) and Undersecretary Jason Starnes described operational priorities. Lofton said the department has focused on improving facility safety and staffing levels after several years of turbulence and turnover. He described progress reducing vacancies at some facilities and said training and cultural changes were central to stabilizing operations.

Senators asked detailed questions about staffing, vacancies, recreation and treatment resources. Lofton and Starnes said statewide vacancies had fallen from much higher levels but remained uneven across secure sites; some facilities remained more than 20% understaffed while others had recovered. The department runs periodic recruitment academies and has adjusted onboarding to expose recruits to facility environments before training so that hiring yields more durable employees.

On programming, the department described expanded vocational offerings: welding, carpentry, heavy equipment and forklift certification, fiber‑optic training, and culinary and culinary‑adjacent training through partnerships with community and technical colleges (for example, Nunez and community‑college partnerships). Lofton said programs are being expanded where facilities have suitable space and motivated youth.

The committee probed provider contracts. Undersecretary Starnes said OJJ works with roughly 15 residential non‑secure providers under approximately 20–21 contracts that deliver continuum‑of‑care services such as group homes and treatment placements. Couvillion said contract payments to residential and foster providers total tens of millions of dollars (she cited about $46 million in one line item for contracted residential and foster services in FY26). She said continuum‑of‑care (community partnerships and diversion services) represents roughly 28% of the agency’s operating budget.

Senators pressed the department on recreation and aftercare. Committee members repeated testimony they had previously received from facility staff that recreation supplies and enrichment were sometimes purchased by staff from their own funds; OJJ officials said recreation is funded through operating budgets and a youth welfare fund but agreed to provide a clearer, facility‑by‑facility breakdown of recreation and program funding. Lofton and Starnes said they are pursuing a short‑term agreement to bring a national juvenile training group to Swanson to reduce aggressive incidents and build staff capacity, and requested funding to support that engagement.

Why it matters: OJJ’s budget funds secure‑care facilities, community placements, and supervision. The agency’s ability to fill vacancies, stabilize facilities and expand treatment and vocational programming are central to lowering recidivism and addressing community safety concerns.

Looking ahead: Senators asked for follow‑up materials on provider contracts, the list and status of vocational pilots, the basis for projected supplemental requests, facility‑level recreation budgets, and staffing vacancy data by facility. OJJ requested supplemental funding requests and described planned operating costs if Jetson’s interim beds are used in FY26.","The Senate Finance Committee reviewed the Office of Juvenile Justice FY26 recommendation, covering new Jetson beds, population trends, recidivism and efforts to expand vocational and clinical programs. Senators pressed OJJ on staffing vacancies, recreation funding and follow‑up treatment for youth.",{"_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},6088111,"Senate hears Department of Revenue budget; senators press OTS charges and staffing at Alcohol and Tobacco Control",254,3002325,3256695,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc&start=3002&end=3256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2885658-58f37312787c2820c165832a5f2ccfcc/thumbnail_3002325.jpg","/articles/6088111/Louisiana/Senate-hears-Department-of-Revenue-budget-senators-press-OTS-charges-and-staffing-at-Alcohol-and-Tobacco-Control","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088111-ba542870ac8d629080555331112fa261/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147637&Signature=GUz3ODRy0zsksnHywcChNeJMWFOoRvug-15GmNEm8q5KIlyjJxQanlNBeUAdiUAwnUuoCsXVTDbgD2Xxx123PNcFX4sQuIyqQ1RTdGEBEf29kNrqLCSEQK6wrrUGJ1cIGNfzc7RumJjoLCq5fcxGVE1A6uCwi2Ul9UMObmua9bYPeoJKmgZQNVL-ad7xvCjdkJFI2H5oiJasF5~0xXde77-2hfsTQ89G90rfZ3QrMR61uGHuyD7DlxiGTVzsHcsgfuDk3855F7B6tn6M5KNXXBsL0uQA94FC8iXCt~Pn9hpZqd0OyojGfORLnKUa88Z~3SuRX0hHZIiYXkwdDw-EMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Fiscal Services presented the Department of Revenue’s FY26 budget to the Senate Finance Committee and senators used the hearing to press the department on high interagency charges for technology and on staffing levels at the state Alcohol and Tobacco Control unit.

Chaz Nicholson of Senate Fiscal Services outlined the department’s structure, budget history and the funding model adopted after 2020. He said the department retains a flat 1% fee on several tax bases that now accounts for a sizable share of its fee revenue and noted provisions in House Bill 1 that allow the department to carry forward a $50 million fund balance for operating cash. Nicholson said the department’s FY26 recommended budget is about $134.8 million with roughly 723 authorized positions and noted an increase driven in part by payments to the Office of Technology Services (OTS).

Secretary of Revenue (name not specified in the transcript) told senators the department’s two primary objectives are saving taxpayer dollars and reducing taxpayer burden. The secretary said a major portion of the OTS interagency charge is for a vendor‑provided tax administration platform operated by a commercial contractor and hosted under OTS, and said the department is exploring options to reduce those costs. “That runs like the whole backbone. When you go and you file your tax, they manage the backbone,” the secretary said of the contractor used to process returns and payments.

Nicholson and the secretary explained that the largest OTS‑related expense is a contracted tax software suite (a vendor implementation maintained under OTS hosting) and that the department is reviewing whether shifting hosting or contract components can reduce annual costs. The department also described savings efforts related to equipment and phone “drops” managed through OTS.

Senators pressed the department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) commissioner, Ernest LeBlanc (Ernest Lege/Ernest Leger in transcript), about enforcement staffing. LeBlanc said ATC operates with about 30 field agents across the state (seven in the New Orleans region) plus roughly 65 total TO positions in the agency. He and senators noted high event and festival demands in New Orleans and Lafayette and urged the executive branch and the Legislature to review whether resources match the agency’s expanded workload—including vapes, hemp, CBD and other regulated products.

The committee also discussed the department’s call center and customer‑service improvements. The secretary said the department has a call center in Shreveport, has redesigned its website to improve self‑service, and has implemented an AI‑driven chatbot to answer routine taxpayer questions. He said the department has also negotiated lower credit‑card processing fees for taxpayers and continues to test average wait times with routine “secret shopper” checks.

Why it matters: The Department of Revenue runs the state’s tax administration infrastructure and its contract/hosting decisions affect the state’s recurring operating budget. The ATC staffing conversation highlights an operational mismatch the committee says merits follow‑up, given Louisiana’s high volume of regulated activity and special events.

Looking ahead: Senators asked the Revenue Department to provide additional detail on the OTS/contract cost drivers, on appointment scheduling outside Baton Rouge, and on call‑center staffing and seasonal hires that support tax filing peaks. ATC said it will continue to present staffing needs to the Legislature.","The Senate Finance Committee reviewed the Department of Revenue's FY26 budget, questioned large OTS/HOST charges for its tax software and hosting, and discussed Alcohol and Tobacco Control staffing and call‑center arrangements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committee reviews DENR budget, proposed consolidation and surge in federal energy funds

Inspector General summarizes work, criminal investigations and restitution wins to Finance Committee

Civil Service director briefs committee on state workforce trends, turnover and municipal fire & police funding

Committee examines juvenile justice budget, Jetson intake plan and staffing, seeks more funding for treatment and reentry

Senate hears Department of Revenue budget; senators press OTS charges and staffing at Alcohol and Tobacco Control