Louisiana Senate Bill SB33

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/20
• Refer: 2/12/20
• Refer: 3/9/20
• Report Pass: 5/11/20
• Engrossed: 5/13/20
• Report Pass: 5/18/20
• Enrolled: 5/28/20
• Chaptered: 6/4/20
• Passed: 6/4/20

Caption

Re-creates the income tax checkoff donation for Dreams Come True, Inc. (8/1/20) (EN NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)

Impact

The primary impact of SB 33 is the facilitation of donations to Dreams Come True, Inc. by ensuring that the option remains available on tax returns for individuals who wish to contribute. This move aims to enhance funding for the organization, which supports children with life-threatening illnesses in Louisiana. By making it easier for residents to donate through their tax returns, the bill could potentially increase the organization's revenue and ability to offer assistance.

Summary

Senate Bill 33, introduced by Senator Hensgens, amends the Louisiana tax code to allow tax refund donations specifically to Dreams Come True, Inc., a nonprofit organization. The bill ensures that these donations will not be removed from individual income tax returns even if the total donations fall below the threshold of ten thousand dollars for two consecutive years. This provision is designed to support continued financial assistance to the nonprofit and is applicable to taxable years beginning January 1, 2020.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 33 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, indicated by the unanimous vote of 92-0 in favor of the bill's final passage in the House. Supporters laud the initiative as a vital source of funding for a deserving cause that provides critical support to families in need, reflecting a strong community commitment to aiding vulnerable populations. There seems to be a general consensus among legislators on the importance of maintaining funding for charitable organizations through such tax incentives.

Contention

While there appear to be no significant points of contention cited during the discussions of SB 33, the legislation does create a specific carve-out for Dreams Come True, Inc. Some may argue that prioritizing one nonprofit can set a precedent that may lead to requests for similar provisions from other organizations, which could complicate the tax code further. However, the bill's simplicity and direct impact on the nonprofit sector likely helped it navigate the legislative process without much opposition.