(The Center Square) — After multiple delays, House Bill 480 failed to advance in the legislative process during a Monday committee hearing after Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux spoke in opposition to the bill.
The 6-6 vote by the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, which prevents it from advancing to the floor, comes after the bill was postponed multiple times. Lobbyist Chance McNeely told the Shreveport City Council in an update last week that he doubted the bill would make it through.
Despite Rep. Danny McCormick’s efforts and amendments to the bill, including an amendment during Monday’s hearing removing Bossier City, the committee did not allow the bill to move forward.
Originally, HB480 looked to add authority to the Caddo-Bossier Port PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) programs. The Oil City Republican amended the bill to remove the Louisiana Economic Development. After the amendment was proposed, the committee recommended McCormick discuss the changes with those who were taking a stance of opposition to the bill.
An additional amendment was proposed May 19 to remove Bossier City from the bill.
However, some felt this was problematic since the Caddo-Bossier Port includes both cities. McCormick removed his amendment after further discussion.
Previously, it was stated by Rep. Bryan Fontenot, R-Thibodeaux that the Caddo School Board sent in opposition to the bill. Katie McLain with the Caddo School Board told The Center Square that the school board had not taken a stance. However, according to Rep. McCormick, the Caddo Superintendent sent the letter opposing the bill on behalf of the school board.
There were people in support and in opposition the bill to speak. Among those in attendance to speak in opposition was Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux.
“The Port of Caddo-Bossier is one of the most significant economic development engines in Caddo Parish,” said Arceneaux. “I can’t speak for Bossier Parish because Shreveport is almost all Caddo Parish, but what I will say is that the port has used PILOT programs for significant economic development that benefits the citizens of Shreveport.”
“We maintain a close working relationship with the port, and we are confident that the Board of Commissioners will make sound decisions with respect to PILOTs. We believe that their authority should not be changed,” concluded Arceneaux.
