The Louisiana General Assembly finished their session in June 2022, and a few new laws will take effect this year that will affect rural and farming communities.
At Louisiana Farm Bureau insurance, our goal is to find every way we can support our agricultural community. One way we can support you is by keeping you informed of any legislative actions that may affect your interests. Below is a summary of new legislation that has gone into effect, or will go into effect, this year, as documented by the Louisiana Session Summary.
HB327/ACT 150 – Soybeans Assessment
This bill levies a state assessment on all soybeans grown within the state at $0.1 per bushel. It will be deducted from the amount paid the producer at the first point of sale, regardless of being in state or out of state.
However, this tax will only go into effect when there is not a national assessment on soybeans active. When and if the national assessment ends, the state assessment will go into effect.
SB293/ACT 88 – Sales Tax Rebate on Agricultural Fencing Repairs for Commercial Farmers
This bill states that the purchase of agricultural fencing materials by commercial farmers is eligible for a state sales tax rebate. This is designed to provide tax relief for farmers recovering from the 2020/2021 hurricanes. The rebate will equal the full amount of sales and use tax paid by a commercial farmer on fencing material.
There are a few caveats, however. The rebate will only apply to materials used to repair fencing in federally declared disaster areas that were substantially damaged or destroyed during the 2020 and 2021 hurricanes. Additionally, the rebate will not apply to any materials that were purchased with insurance proceeds or state and federal funds, unless those funds are reported as taxable income or structured as repayable loans. Finally, the rebate can be claimed only when the repairs are complete.
HB708/ACT 275 – Defining Biomass
As it relates to the Louisiana Renewable Energy Development Act, this bill defines biomass as:
- Forest products’ manufacturing bioenergy feedstocks, such as:
- pulping by-products,
- paper recycling residuals,
- spent pulping liquors,
- used crates or pallets ,
- downed wood from weather events,
- plant material removed for purposes of invasive or noxious species control, and
- harvest residues like trees considered too small or of too low quality to be used in wood or paper products.
- Sugarcane bagasse, which is the pulpy material left over following sugar extraction from the cane stalks.
The bill also considers biomass to be a carbon-neutral, renewable energy source. When combined with carbon capture technologies, the bill considers biomass to be carbon negative.
HB842/ACT 59 – Limits Liability to Veterinary Professionals
This bill makes a licensed veterinary professional immune from civil or criminal liability if they have a reasonable belief and report in good faith an action of animal cruelty. Additionally, a licensed veterinary professional is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution for releasing confidential information pursuant to subpoena, a court-ordered disclosure, or upon written consent of the animal’s owner or legal representative.
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When you insure with Farm Bureau insurance, you advocate for the rights of Louisiana farmers. We have been insuring Louisiana farms since 1950. To learn more about insuring your farm with us, contact a local agent using our Agent Finder.