Senator McMath’s bill would allow local inspector-general tax revenues to support other local offices

Senator McMath presented Senate Bill 458 and said the measure would permit a tax imposed by a local government subdivision for a local ethics entity to be allocated by that entity to local agencies.

"Our tax is levied and imposed by a local government subdivision for a local ethics entity," McMath said, explaining the change would allow an inspector general's office to transfer funds to other local agencies, such as a district attorney's office, to ensure compliance with state law and help meet statutory obligations amid a projected budget shortfall in Saint Tammany Parish.

The senator described a projected budget crisis in Saint Tammany Parish driven by dedicated funding streams and said the mechanism would provide additional revenue options if voters authorize an inspector general. The chair asked if there were any questions; none were raised.

Senator Boudreaux moved to report SB 458 favorable. With no objection, the committee reported the bill favorable by voice. The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript. The bill will proceed in the legislative process as reported favorable by the committee.