BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – In a joint meeting this week with lawmakers, Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson proposed a special session in August to make structure changes he says will be a once-in-a-century opportunity to transform Louisiana’s tax code.

Nelson wants to put those proposed changes before voters in November. Come mid-2025, a temporary state sales tax expires, and temporarily suspended tax breaks resume. Experts predict that will cause a significant gap of nearly a half-billion dollars in the state general fund.

“I think all of the changes would have to be with the Secretary of State by August 23rd. I think that’s a federal deadline because it’s a federal election in November, so she has to have everything to send the ballots out by then,” said Sec. Nelson before lawmakers.

Sec. Nelson says his plan aims to be “revenue neutral” so the state collects the same amount for its general fund as it does currently while changing tax policy to be more competitive with other neighboring states. Modifying the state’s tax code and constitution have both been things Governor Jeff Landry has openly supported. Nelson suggests both could be done during a special session in August just two months before the November election.

The governor’s press secretary said, “Louisiana needs budget and tax reform. Refreshing our constitution, in whatever way the legislature deems appropriate is the only way to get this done on behalf of all Louisianians”.

Reports began to circulate on social media that House Speaker Phillip DeVillier (R) viewed an August special session as unlikely.

However, Speaker Devillier took to X to set the record straight in a post saying in part, “To be clear, if the legislators choose to have a special session in August, I’d be supportive.” We reached out to Senate President Cameron Henry (R) for clarification on his part but have not heard back.

Click here to report a typo.

Copyright 2024 WAFB. All rights reserved.