Louisiana Senate Bill SB115

Louisiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/14/25
• Report Pass: 5/6/25

Caption

Constitutional amendment to extend eligibility for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption to certain persons. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (1/1/27) (EG DECREASE LF RV See Note)

Summary

SB 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Louisiana’s “special assessment level” for ad valorem property taxes on homestead-exempt residential property. Under current law, the assessment of qualifying property is frozen at the level established in the first year the owner qualifies, so long as the owner continues to meet the existing eligibility and maintenance requirements. The bill adds a new category of eligible homeowners: individuals who meet the federal poverty guidelines published in the prior calendar year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The amendment would allow low-income homeowners to receive the same assessment freeze currently available to certain seniors, disabled persons, and qualifying military survivors. To keep the benefit, the homeowner would have to remain the owner and continue to meet the federal poverty guidelines each year. The proposal would take effect January 1, 2027, apply to taxable years beginning on or after that date, and be submitted to voters at the statewide election on November 3, 2026.

Impact

If approved by voters, SB 115 would amend Article VII, Section 18 of the Louisiana Constitution to broaden eligibility for the homestead special assessment level and thereby limit future increases in assessed value for qualifying low-income owner-occupied homes. This would affect local ad valorem tax bases by freezing assessments for an additional class of homeowners, potentially reducing property tax growth for local governments and school districts while providing tax relief to eligible residents. The bill does not change the homestead exemption itself, but expands the constitutional category of persons who may receive the assessment cap.

Sentiment

The available materials suggest generally supportive intent, with the bill framed as a property-tax relief measure for homeowners with limited income. There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided context, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or debate in the record supplied. The committee amendments indicate the proposal was refined procedurally, including delaying implementation to 2027 and correcting the election date, which suggests the bill was actively advanced rather than rejected.

Contention

The main policy issue is whether Louisiana should extend a constitutionally protected property-tax benefit to homeowners based on annual federal poverty guidelines. Supporters would likely view the measure as targeted relief for low-income residents facing rising property tax assessments, while potential concerns would center on reduced local tax revenue, administrative verification of annual income eligibility, and the possibility that the benefit could be difficult to maintain for households with fluctuating income. Because no committee discussion or vote record is provided, specific named opponents or supporters cannot be identified from the supplied materials.