House Bill No. by Representative Crews establishes the Louisiana Dividend Program within the Department of Treasury, designed to return a portion of excess mineral revenues to qualifying residents. The bill creates the Louisiana Dividend Fund, which will receive 25% of mineral revenues exceeding $650 million, and establishes a Restorative Justice Subfund to support corrections services. Key provisions include eligibility criteria for applicants, such as being a state resident, at least 18 years old during the qualifying year, and compliance with military selective service registration. The application period is set from January 1 to March 31, with provisions for active-duty military members to apply later. The bill also allows for an appeal process for individuals aggrieved by eligibility determinations, which includes a $25 appeal fee.

Additionally, the bill mandates that dividends can only be paid if the Louisiana Dividend Fund balance exceeds $400 million at the end of the qualifying year. It includes measures to protect dividend recipients by exempting 20% of their dividends from seizure and requires specific notification procedures for any levies. The treasurer is granted authority to verify eligibility through information from other state agencies while ensuring confidentiality. The bill also outlines penalties for fraudulent claims, including forfeiture of dividends and potential civil fines, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the dividend distribution process.

Statutes affected:
HB628 Original: 44:1(B)(35)