Louisiana’s children would be able to sell lemonade from makeshift stands without fear the state government would seek a piece of the proceeds, provided Gov. John Bel Edwards signs a bill that secured final legislative passage Tuesday.
The News Star reports Senate Bill 99 by Sen. Gary Smith, D-Norco, would exempt minors from being required to buy occupational licenses for enterprises that generate $500 or less per year. It passed the full House by a 90-0 vote and now goes to the governor for his signature.
Smith said he filed the bill after hearing a news report about a child with a lemonade stand being cited for not having an occupational license. It would also exempt children from collecting sales taxes.
“When I saw the story I couldn’t believe it,” said Smith, adding he couldn’t remember where the ticket was issued. “Why would you ticket a child for an activity that promotes entrepreneurship and a work ethic?”
When the Senate passed the bill earlier the story was picked up by media outlets throughout the country.
“I was surprised, but I guess there was such interest in it because lemonade stands are such an entrenched symbol of early entrepreneurship in America,” Smith said.
