Car buyers, motorists seeking a copy of their driving records, florists, oyster fishermen and pawnbrokers across the state will pay higher fees to help balance Louisiana’s annual budget.
While the focus of the Legislature’s recent financial debate was largely on taxes, lawmakers with little fanfare or attention also voted to raise at least $104 million annually from changes to licensing and application fees, permitting charges, rental rates, late fees and penalty fines.
The Associated Press reports most of the money raised was poured into the budget to help stop cuts to public colleges and health services in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Other dollars will stay with the agencies that oversee the individual programs subject to the higher fees and penalties, to help offset reductions to their general state financing.
Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration hasn’t shown any resistance to the fee hikes passed in the just-ended legislative session. The Republican governor has supported fee increases if agencies say they only cover the cost of providing the service for which a fee is charged.
Lawmakers echoed similar sentiments as they approved the bills, saying many of the state’s fees haven’t been increased in decades.
“We have historically provided services to the people of this state for much less than what it costs to do them. Now, we’re in a budget crunch,” said Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Kenner, during Senate debate on one of the largest fee hikes.
Of the dollars generated, about $60 million annually will come from a $50 fee increase on car buyers and sellers. Another $22 million a year is estimated to come from raising the price tag for getting an official state driving record from $6 to $16. The changes take effect July 1. Other bills backed by the House and Senate will increase the state licensing fees for florists and nurseries and allow the state seed commission to double its seed dealer licensing fees.
