Louisiana department outlines FY26 budget with $445M for State Police and funding shifts

The Louisiana Legislature convened on April 7, 2025, at 8:30 AM in HCR-5 for a meeting focused on the Appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year. The session provided a detailed overview of the budget allocations for various departments, particularly emphasizing public safety services, which is projected to receive $620.8 million in the FY26 budget.

The meeting began with a breakdown of the department's organization, highlighting seven budget units, including the Office of Management and Finance, State Police, and the Fire Marshal. Each agency typically has one program, except for the State Police, which oversees multiple programs including traffic enforcement and criminal investigations.

A significant point of discussion was the funding structure, where fees and self-generated revenues account for approximately 43.2% of the budget, totaling $268.1 million. The State Police is expected to receive the largest share of funding, amounting to $445 million, with a notable portion derived from fees and self-generated revenues.

The presentation also addressed historical spending trends, noting fluctuations in funding from FY20 to FY26. A net decrease of $15.3 million is anticipated for FY26, primarily affecting the State Police due to changes in fee collections and statutory dedications. The department's total expenditures for FY26 are projected to be heavily weighted towards salaries and related benefits, totaling $371.8 million.

Personnel information revealed that there will be 2,716 authorized positions, with 226 currently vacant. The turnover rates and historical salary comparisons were also discussed, indicating challenges in retaining staff within the department.

The meeting further explored supplemental payments to local law enforcement, which are set to increase by $1.7 million in FY26, benefiting municipal police officers and firefighters. The State Police budget breakdown indicated that the majority of funding comes from fees, with a significant reliance on the state general fund.

A critical issue raised was the anticipated shortfall of $50.8 million in reinstatement fee collections, which directly impacts the funding available for various programs within the State Police. This under-collection is attributed to changes in delinquent debt collection processes, which have been revised to facilitate settlements and avoid litigation.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities of budget management within Louisiana's public safety services, highlighting both the challenges of funding shortfalls and the ongoing need for effective resource allocation. The discussions set the stage for further deliberations on how to address these financial constraints in the upcoming fiscal year.