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HB 981

FUNDS/FUNDING: Establishes the Law Enforcement Retention Incentive Subfund within the Law Enforcement Recruitment Incentive Fund (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dixon McMakin and 1 co-sponsor

HB 981 extends Louisiana's law enforcement recruitment incentive program sunset, allowing financial officer recruitment incentives to continue with no stated fiscal impact.

Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
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Bill Summary · HB 981

Legislative bill overview

HB 981 extends the sunset date for Louisiana's law enforcement recruitment incentive program, which provides financial incentives to attract new officers to police departments. The bill prevents the program from expiring and allows it to continue operating beyond its current termination date. The fiscal note indicates this extension has no fiscal impact, suggesting either the program is already funded or operates within existing appropriations.

Why is this important

Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana face recruitment challenges, and incentive programs are tools used to attract qualified candidates to the profession. By extending this program, the state signals continued commitment to supporting police recruitment efforts, which directly affects public safety capacity in communities across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Recruitment strategy effectiveness: Questions about whether financial incentives are the most effective approach to recruitment compared to other solutions like improved working conditions, training, or career advancement opportunities
  • Fiscal sustainability: While noted as no impact, concerns may arise about long-term funding commitments and whether "no fiscal impact" accurately reflects hidden costs or opportunity costs
  • Program accountability: Lack of specified performance metrics or evaluation criteria to measure whether the incentive program actually achieves its recruitment goals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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