House Bill No. 1015, as amended, focuses on enhancing financial incentives for major events held in Louisiana. The bill proposes to shift the administration of the Major Events Incentive Program from the Department of Economic Development to the lieutenant governor, through the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. It allows for grants to be awarded to various entities involved in hosting events, including event producers and municipalities, for costs associated with bidding and planning. Additionally, the bill establishes a new Events Incentive Program to provide funding to municipalities and nonprofit organizations hosting events, with eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

Key amendments to the bill include the requirement for the lieutenant governor to submit an economic analysis of each major event to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB), which will determine the portion of incremental tax increases to be transferred into the newly renamed Major Events Incentives Fund. The bill also removes the previous requirement for approval from the commissioner of administration and JLCB for contracts with event producers or hosts. Furthermore, it eliminates the annual reporting requirement for the lieutenant governor and allows for a more streamlined process in managing the funding for major events. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
HB1015 Original: 51:2365(D)(3), 51:2365(F)(1)
HB1015 Engrossed: 51:2365(D)(3), 51:2365(F)(1)
HB1015 Reengrossed: 51:2365(D)(3), 51:2365(F)(1)
HB1015 Enrolled: 51:2365(D)(3), 51:2365(F)(1)
HB1015 Act : 51:2365(D)(3), 51:2365(F)(1)