HOUSE floor amendments technical except Amendment 2 [LINK] which states the board of review will only consider timely filed complaints and the means by which they can be timely filed.

Amends Louisiana's ad valorem tax assessment procedures specifically for Calcasieu Parish. The bill prohibits the parish’s board of review from considering tax assessment complaints if the notice of complaint was submitted via facsimile transmission. Currently, taxpayers can notify the board of their complaint in person, by certified mail, or by fax. This change removes fax as an option for notification in Calcasieu Parish while retaining existing rules for all other parishes. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Amends the Residential Truth in Construction Act, refining provisions related to residential home improvements in Louisiana. Key updates include:

1. Expanded Scope: The bill extends protections to double-family dwellings and refines definitions for clarity.
2. Notice of Lien Rights: Contractors must inform homeowners about potential lien claims from subcontractors, material suppliers, and workers, emphasizing the importance of contract documentation and lien waivers.
3. Owner’s Rights: Homeowners can request information from contractors about involved parties and outstanding payments, with the right to withhold payments until details are provided.
4. Contractor Obligations: Failure to deliver the required lien notice removes a contractor’s right to file a lien claim, and improperly filed claims may result in statutory damages.
5. Legal Recourse: Owners can recover damages and attorney fees from contractors who fail to comply with the act, including cases of falsified statements.

These changes reinforce transparency and homeowner protection while holding contractors accountable for providing proper notices and information.

Aims to prohibit class action lawsuits against the Louisiana Department of Revenue (DOR) and the office of debt recovery within the DOR. It applies to lawsuits related to tax law administration and debt collection. 

Key Provisions: 

1. Jurisdiction Limits: 

  - The Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) cannot hear class action lawsuits against the DOR. 

  - Class action suits cannot be filed in any state or federal court against the DOR or its debt recovery office regarding tax law administration or debt recovery. 

2. New Prohibitions: 

  - Explicitly prevents class action lawsuits from being brought or maintained against the DOR or the office of debt recovery, regardless of the court. 

3. Retroactive & Prospective Application: 

  - The bill applies both retroactively and prospectively. 

4. Effective Date: 

  - It becomes effective upon the governor’s signature or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. 

Impact: 

- Limits taxpayers' ability to pursue collective legal actions against the DOR or debt recovery office. 

- Strengthens the state's control over tax and debt collection processes by removing class action litigation as a potential challenge.

Purpose: Revises laws governing the Office of the State Public Defender and district public defenders. 

 Key Provisions: 

1. Board Meetings: 

Allows the Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board to meet virtually under R.S. 42:17.2. Limits virtual meetings to two per calendar year. 

 2. District Public Defenders: 

Clarifies that district public defenders who contract with the state are independent contractors, not agents of the state. 

 3. Discipline and Hearings: 

Limits the right to a hearing to cases of discipline or early termination only—not for non-renewals. Establishes a five-member board hearing committee for disputes. Sets burden of proof: preponderance for discipline; clear and convincing for termination. Committee may issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and require sworn testimony. 

 4. Indigency Appeals: 

Prohibits clerks from charging fees for writ or appeal filings when the applicant has been deemed indigent. 

Impact: 

Clarifies contractor status of district defenders, narrows hearing rights, strengthens board authority, and removes court fees for indigent applicants.