[{"_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",6259646,"mediaKeyId","3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee","parentId",3138911,"title","Committee approves bill to align online sports‑wagering tax with in‑state gaming; opponents warn higher tax will raise consumer costs","audioSeconds",4426,"startMs",3202000,"endMs",7628000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee&start=3202&end=7628","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee/thumbnail_3202000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6259646/Louisiana/Committee-approves-bill-to-align-online-sportswagering-tax-with-instate-gaming-opponents-warn-higher-tax-will-raise-consumer-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259646-aa5a87fd2a0190621b4f35b26bcce682/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078201&Signature=fTmmnKUrnD4InJ2l1S4kpgdulAD5zKLT5NBosQU7tKgT4AtbRzJ5XBX~BZWQF~T99-4NNsjf1JWsHhOBr3sm9xLXdtRVs0X07HZhnE7Ayv4D6dclZW864i~87EjW9FiFXAeukuCn16wkMjXstoygHpbLcn4GBY6LKyuF5~LqLrWsXQ-Poh2YMYKjbCw2a8TA2uYAEIIWaDtUukKHlUPZteuTP-nugd7H3TQklTlcMwe2-0ZeNhm-8H6rzZZlQgpDt9I~~al6-AqmyZ091FZDr~~ihvgnhSM45sm10CfnF4VihEUy8tflviQrXfncA8CI1EBoqiaJkmdoPwhy1DSiOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-04-28T00:00:00Z","article","House Bill 639, which aligns taxation of online sports wagering with existing rates for some in‑state gaming and dedicates revenues to specified priorities, was considered and advanced by the House Committee on Appropriations on April 28 after extensive testimony from casinos, online operators, and advocacy groups.

Sponsor Representative Reiser said the bill will make online sports wagering tax treatment consistent with other gaming activity in the state; the measure would raise the effective tax on online sports wagering to the 32.5 percent rate used for certain gaming categories, and direct new revenues to a list of priorities including early childhood, behavioral health, problem gambling treatment, equine promotion and racing purses, and disability-related programs included in the bill’s distribution schedule. The sponsor also noted amendments tying the bill’s effective timing to the effectiveness of House Bill 594 (referred to in committee as House Bill 5 94) to coordinate premium‑tax and other fiscal effects.

Opponents — including representatives of Caesars Entertainment, the Sports Betting Alliance and other national online operators — warned a move to double the current online tax rate (15 percent under existing law as described in testimony) would be passed through to consumers by worsening odds and reducing promotions, would reduce local advertising and sponsorship dollars, and would boost illegal and untaxed competitors. Trevor Hayes, representing Caesars Entertainment, and Scott Ward of the Sports Betting Alliance said high tax rates reduce the ability of regulated operators to market competitively and could decrease total taxable play. Industry witnesses described the national median mobile sportsbook tax rate as about 14 percent and said higher tax rates are associated with lower per‑adult revenue in comparable markets.

Supporters from land‑based casinos and related groups argued the online product differs from brick‑and‑mortar gaming because online wagering requires no capital investment, creates no in‑state jobs, and correlates with higher rates of problem gambling; Live Casino Hotel’s Mark Stewart urged parity and requested broader promotional‑play reforms that would allow brick‑and‑mortar operators more promotional flexibility to compete.

Public‑interest witnesses, including the Louisiana Family Forum and the Louisiana Coalition for Autism Access, called attention to problem‑gambling harms and supported using revenue for treatment and prevention services. Witnesses and committee members cited tax‑revenue figures for online wagering: committee discussion included historical collections reported to the committee (about $31 million in 2022, $43.5 million in 2023, and $65.1 million in 2024 at the current taxable rate) and sponsor estimates of additional revenues tied to the proposed tax parity.

Committee amendments addressed definitions, fund distribution mechanics and an interlock with other tax legislation. Representative Marcel made the motion to move the bill favorable as amended; Representative Zorang objected to the voice‑vote outcome, prompting a roll‑call. The committee recorded a roll‑call vote and reported the bill favorable as amended by a roll‑call tally of 20 yeas and 1 nay; the transcript does not contain a full roll‑call list mapping each member’s name to each vote in the final block, but the committee chair announced the final tally.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Appropriations Apr 28, 9:30 AM, HCR-5 ","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 639, a measure aligning online sports‑wagering taxation with higher in‑state gaming rates and dedicating revenues to specified programs, was approved as amended by the House Committee on Appropriations after extensive testimony and a recorded roll‑call vote.","taxTitle","Appropriations, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Louisiana","taxId",20967,"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},6259651,"Appropriations committee approves sales-tax cleanup bill that could accelerate rate cut if constitutional amendment passes",835,2338000,3173000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee&start=2338&end=3173","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee/thumbnail_2338000.jpg","/articles/6259651/Louisiana/Appropriations-committee-approves-sales-tax-cleanup-bill-that-could-accelerate-rate-cut-if-constitutional-amendment-passes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259651-7256b7363518ad90d8816f14fd9cb5bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078200&Signature=d~gdjXTA-muK6fai~zuTxUXJDzwuWauAmVtuDQW-uZvdr3UfMixcwIgvfjIC8YYf5aRaMrR5o1~tvvFtXSkt3VFHuUBaFjN1IxW1g5OvfaS4ZBvYiBwMy7imRf7uujwydFPmCPKPvIY7EyAwkx0oXVMX7b~NcC0kSQG1g13XUhGIlsJqEkjuUsTty3vOUqh-xVcvDQHmrxeTmdMdtASkrV3r6YA~W0i0nMrtAHdgJbUcsMd6L5hlaepinfrjifmHyRftmbNVJEqn~qUUJfsrMICB5nRifm8LFGkbzGj~3qOw0U2jgLjwNm0K0IzbwULHnRKsipxOjPSkrEOw2e0e6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on Appropriations on April 28 approved House Bill 578 as amended. The bill is primarily a technical cleanup of prior changes from a November special session but also contains an amendment that would accelerate a planned reduction in the state sales tax rate — contingent on passage of an Article VII constitutional amendment on the ballot.

Chairwoman Emerson said much of the bill corrects drafting inconsistencies, clarifies exemptions (notably ticketing for school events and similar questions raised after the special session), and creates local revenue funds for telecom-related collections so the monies can be deposited correctly. Committee staff explained the amendment set creates a local revenue fund into which the additional 5% tax on telecommunication, cable and certain satellite services will be deposited, and performs other technical conforming changes.

The more substantive change in the amendment accelerates a previously scheduled reduction in the state sales tax rate to 4.75 percent earlier than planned but makes that reduction contingent on passage of a separate constitutional amendment (House Bill 472). Committee members asked whether the amendment changes fiscal expectations. Debbie Vivian of the Legislative Fiscal Office said she had not yet seen all amendments and could not provide a revised fiscal estimate immediately; later testimony from Department of Revenue staff indicated two local exemptions previously optional and now mandatory could cost about $6,000,000 (one item cited was a radiation therapy exemption) and other local impacts were smaller.

Vice Chairman Hughes moved the bill favorable as amended and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. Staff said other parts of the bill take effect on signature, while the sales-tax rate reduction would take effect only if the Article VII amendment passes in the spring ballot.","House Bill 578, a cleanup bill addressing sales and use tax exemptions and fund language, was moved favorable as amended; it includes language that would accelerate a planned sales tax reduction to 4.75% contingent on a successful Article VII constitutional amendment.",{"_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},6259656,"Committee advances conservation incentive program to accept private dollars for habitat work on private lands",826,1444000,2270000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee&start=1444&end=2270","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee/thumbnail_1444000.jpg","/articles/6259656/Louisiana/Committee-advances-conservation-incentive-program-to-accept-private-dollars-for-habitat-work-on-private-lands","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259656-04f0609781850244a6b15fca06071755/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078200&Signature=mwhHMLt~Td8P4UfL8~sQOblajIc-ivuiz4tiDu~adsm4gstGT6Y10gaqUJUJcsF8AZXGx3mxluDGUYmB~I3-d6mTMlfE9im0jTiWSDYQUoJ4gACv7ZIu6ds0i4CpAjiCTmaJuRUWqc5M-papfCFWYTZg28U9vRGlngs2UlqtM42oVM9ajCa0ahuTh6QSfJneedhWWAJlpelsZTEV9XZ4EBj-WWP1okBSE7AqsfJ3XA8VbRdwd4HRR5SjYXb70g~fGoS7-HhlNTovBNKx0VVBhv8SeBrZ8TWdNYr9PGdIlBEeSTr0gzOIt9~uLw~X3yu7H5B-cO1f3i7XUzHlhmZHOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on Appropriations on April 28 voted to move House Bill 564 favorable as amended. The bill establishes a Conservation Incentive Program account to accept private donations and federal grants to support wildlife habitat work and conservation practices on private lands across Louisiana.

Sponsor Representative Veil Landry said the account is intended to let the state accept private funds and align with federal programs such as the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to implement habitat activities including prescribed burning, timber thinning, water‑holding for migratory birds and reimbursement for devices such as hog traps modeled on an Arkansas program. Amendments changed inconsistent references from “fund” to “account,” refined grant award language to be subject to appropriations and clarified that grants are made only when appropriations are received by the department.

Brian McClendon, undersecretary at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, described an Arkansas model that reimbursed landowners for traps and provided staged payments tied to implementation, and said Arkansas’ program touched almost every county and brought new landowners into conservation programs. He told the committee that the Louisiana proposal is intended for private landowners and does not require easements or public access.

Representative Romero moved the bill favorable as amended; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The committee discussion focused on program design: eligibility, prioritization criteria, and whether the program would complement existing Outdoors Forever and DMAP programs. Sponsors said the program targets private landowners, will use established departmental processes for rulemaking, and will leverage private and federal funds before seeking state appropriations.","House Bill 564 would create an account to accept private donations and grants to fund habitat and wildlife conservation on private lands; committee approved the bill as amended after sponsors clarified account language and grant appropriation conditions.",{"_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},6259660,"Appropriations committee advances DOTD reorganization bill establishing Office of Transformation",1051,365000,1416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee&start=365&end=1416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee/thumbnail_365000.jpg","/articles/6259660/Louisiana/Appropriations-committee-advances-DOTD-reorganization-bill-establishing-Office-of-Transformation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259660-3befe425bc41405dfd14084b1b448ba1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078200&Signature=DxwPS~jEzAbNIj6QiziJoe1zKpLGLL3LVmYVfSizAUQexYEErY8P1ukzL5b~TINA~AaRI1gVgK3t16SMfxvLjBI8ddx3b8DoVXFI1XCce8-JWaF2LG3kF6ika14e4ZWuZ1Rye6aHVxXrRirMhJH7nJfsI7ORmarON2ckASQyLiOCI35H~mpugo5fpSpgFntc6Y7prNJqZd~HIItvVQDg0oXod9rAisqfkX2WpJkrJW1yvuK6AGb7x4BTJIiBMaGEAZmQBADj746EmQ6j7boeXfiC6Q3rt~fmbLCSaVe91wBSj4oeLQHSmyO-7VUutjVXMuXxTJ9kXSCc8WxN48c78Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on Appropriations moved House Bill 528 favorable as amended on April 28 after discussion about departmental reform, funding treatment and implementation oversight.

Chairman Boriak, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is one of a four‑bill package intended to improve project delivery at the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The bill creates an Office of Transformation, an assistant secretary for project delivery, clarifies duties and establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting requirements to the legislature. The sponsor referenced prior studies and reports, including a Boston Consulting Group review and the Onward Louisiana transition advisory material, as informing why the changes are needed.

Committee amendments clarified duties, removed language about unclassified civil service positions, adjusted references (including renaming the Louisiana Highway Construction Authority to the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction), added language on elimination of positions in accordance with civil service rules, and refined budget- and personnel-related language. Sponsors described a “means of finance” shift discussed in the hearing: language in the bill is intended to limit use of Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) money for ongoing personnel service costs and move more TTF dollars toward capital outlay and construction projects over time; sponsors described the first year as a transition and said the department will seek appropriations for positions in HB2 moving forward.

Members questioned fiscal implications. Vice Chairman Hughes and Representative Lyons pressed the chair on the fiscal-note language and whether the measure would increase state general funds and affect federal match opportunities. The sponsor and department representatives said the amendment clarifies positions and duties and that the measure is intended to reallocate administrative charges away from the TTF to capital spending over time. The committee offered and adopted a set of amendments developed with DOTD and the transportation committee, and the bill was moved favorable as amended by voice vote.

The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the bill was advanced to subsequent legislative consideration.","House Bill 528, which reorganizes the Department of Transportation and Development and creates an Office of Transformation and an assistant secretary for project delivery, was moved favorable as amended by the committee.",{"_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},6259662,"House panel approves bill tightening training and certification for firefighter supplemental pay",199,118000,317000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee&start=118&end=317","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3138911-cfa7da6b54528c78290d59c1e995a0ee/thumbnail_118000.jpg","/articles/6259662/Louisiana/House-panel-approves-bill-tightening-training-and-certification-for-firefighter-supplemental-pay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259662-8c173520761bfe3564b8087552c809c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078200&Signature=nFot9b75kOSwW8Mn~I5RqEALiUWDZp7sccsWjvyvz9o4dQrlFcNKbJrBouMK1rbawyqKDVxWpP3HnRj9PmAjDo~upR4cikSuJ09Ijz~mS5DdkokVIO7nsMW7gxQBEthdTxpgo4WQmckzySnfPD1NdPoKE~eoRQEfE9ziE5L9jwSMEWnMy17S-xkiBq579PNELbdeoJSkNPmzHxARtDPj9BDXVFqnFdS~UhwOmjyIwmsgyGSyfj7TkRBEl8j1aZSZBUwB1WyH78~UhQiysIChzlgPzxhoxC2tBS23u5llbtxskP3bPGcZi0Li09SA6rmYIxhQUH-BMofoM88~0zb8Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on Appropriations on April 28 approved House Bill 245, which sets new training and certification requirements for firefighters to receive state supplemental pay.

The measure, introduced by Representative Zorang, requires firemen to complete a certified firefighting training program from a Pro Board–accredited agency or an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress–approved entity and meet the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for firefighter certification (NFPA 1001). The bill also requires validation of that certification by the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy.

Sponsor remarks emphasized the amendment was added to ensure only those with accredited training receive the supplemental pay and to provide a safeguard by requiring state academy validation. A representative of the Firemen’s Association was present in support and numerous supporters submitted cards for the record.

Vice Chairman Hughes moved the bill favorable as amended; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The committee took no further action beyond approval as amended, and no formal fiscal details were changed during the hearing.

The committee discussion focused on ensuring credentialing and training quality rather than altering the supplemental-pay benefit’s structure. The amendment that added the accreditation and academy validation language was offered, discussed briefly, and adopted before the committee voted on the bill.

The bill now moves forward as approved by the committee; the statute language adopted in committee requires accredited training and validation by the state training academy before supplemental pay eligibility is established.","The House Committee on Appropriations voted to approve House Bill 245 as amended, requiring accredited training and certification before firefighters qualify for state supplemental pay.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves bill to align online sports‑wagering tax with in‑state gaming; opponents warn higher tax will raise consumer costs

Appropriations committee approves sales-tax cleanup bill that could accelerate rate cut if constitutional amendment passes

Committee advances conservation incentive program to accept private dollars for habitat work on private lands

Appropriations committee advances DOTD reorganization bill establishing Office of Transformation

House panel approves bill tightening training and certification for firefighter supplemental pay