01/01/09 (LA):
Louisiana Sees 47 New Laws Come Into Force
|
State residents awake to the New Year with the knowledge that 47 new state laws come into force. One of the most recently talked about laws, repeal of the Stelly Plan, actually became effective when Governor Bobby Jindal signed it during the 2008 Regular Session. However, the impact of the law did not become effective until January 1 when the new tax rates become effective.
Individual filers could see their tax bill drop $500 and $1,000 for joint filers, according to the Associated Press. The legislation increased take-home pay for people earning more than $12,500 annually.
The tax cut begins in 2009, but individuals will have to ask employers to adjust withholdings otherwise the change will not be reflected until July when the state revenue department modifies withholding tables.
Some state officials have expressed concern as the state now faces a $341 million shortfall, which was not the case when the tax cut was passed. There was no way to predict the drop in state revenue, Sen. Mike Michot, R-Lafayette, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, told the AP.
"I don't think it's ever a bad time to cut taxes," Michot said.
There are other laws passed in 2008 that become effective in whole or in part New Year's Day, including the ethics reform legislation that was the hallmark of Jindal's campaign and the focus of the First Extraordinary Session.
Act 1 of the special session requires new income reporting standards for state officials, including legislators.
The portion of the law imposing reporting standards on most local officials will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2010.
The law provides that officials holding offices representing voting districts with a population of 5,000 or less and members of commissions with authority to spend $10,000 but less than $1 million annually will have to report their personal finances to the Board of Ethics in 2010.
For businesses and unemployed workers the New Year has brought changes.
Unemployment insurance taxes are cut by 10 percent and weekly unemployment benefits go up to $284. The changes will remain in effect as long as the unemployment insurance trust fund balance exceeds $1.4 billion. The balance is currently $1.45 billion.
"The fact that we are able to increase weekly benefit amounts while also easing the tax burden on employers is a testament to the stability of our unemployment insurance trust fund," Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Tim Barfield said.
Other notable new laws taking effect include the requirement for lobbyist registration and reporting of clients, amounts paid by each client and duties required. The law also prohibits legislators' family members from doing business with a lobbyist.
Elected School Board members are now required to attend annually a class on school law, there are more post-licensing educational requirements for real estate brokers as well as new laws addressing the court system, such as requiring a pre-trial hearing to determine qualifications of an expert witness on motion of either party.
Teens interested in getting a driver's license are now required to complete driver education before obtaining a license.
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections is now required to establish driver education classes in each parish.
© X-Pro 2009
|
|
