The Senate passed HB 1037, extending the sales tax exemption for the low income home energy assistance program until July 1, 2009. Passed 48 to 0.
The Senate passed HB 1075, Individual development accounts by a vote of 48 to 0. Provides that money withdrawn from an individual development account (IDA) may be used to pay for the rehabilitation of the individual’s primary residence. Raises from $300 to $400 the amount deposited in an IDA in a year that the housing and community development authority (authority) must match with state funds. Provides that the authority may match any portion of an individual’s deposit into an IDA each year that is over $400. Raises the limit on the amount the authority may annually match from $900 to $2,400 per account. Raises the number of IDAs that may be established annually from 800 to 1,000 beginning July 1, 2009. Provides that if the amount appropriated by the general assembly for IDAs is insufficient to make the required matching deposits, the authority shall proportionately reduce the amounts deposited into each account.
Passed by a vote of 48 to 0, HB 1381, neglect of a dependent. Specifies that a person having the care of a dependent commits neglect of a dependent as a Class C felony if the person’s abandonment or cruel confinement of the dependent: (1) deprives a child of necessary food, water, or sanitary facilities; (2) consists of confinement in an area not intended for human habitation; or (3) involves the unlawful use of handcuffs, a rope, a cord, tape, or a similar device to physically restrain the child. Brings to mind the case of Aiyana Gauvin in Lafayette.
Passed by a vote of 48 to 0, HB 1456, utility receipts tax. Exempts gross receipts derived from the sale of utility services between members of a controlled group of corporations or an affiliated group from the utility receipts tax if: (1) the seller is the producer of the utility service and the purchaser is the end user; and (2) the seller and the purchaser exist at the same location or adjacent locations.
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