This bill amends various sections of Louisiana law regarding fees and costs assessed by the Louisiana Economic Development department. Key changes include an increase in the maximum fees for several services, such as raising the advance notification fee from $250 to $350, the application filing minimum from $500 to $650, and the maximum from $15,000 to $20,000. Additionally, the bill introduces a new fee structure for miscellaneous administrative documents, capped at $350, and allows the secretary of the department to reduce or waive fees for small businesses facing financial hardship.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that any lease, sublease, or sale of property must be reported to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget annually, replacing previous oversight provisions. It also clarifies the qualifications for certified public accountants involved in verification reports and adjusts the fee structure for these reports, increasing the hourly rate from $225 to $325. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB618 Original: 36:104(C), 36:1(B)(1)
HB618 Engrossed: 36:104(C), 36:1(B)(1)
HB618 Enrolled: 36:104(A)(17), 36:1(B)(1)
HB618 Act 657: 36:104(A)(17), 36:1(B)(1)