LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR: Authorizes and directs the legislative auditor to study the economic impact that the city of New Orleans has on state revenues

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alonzo Knox and 1 co-sponsor

mandates the Legislative Auditor study New Orleans’ economic impact on state revenues over the past ten fiscal years, with results due to the House Appropriations Committee before

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Summary of HR 370 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose

Authorizes and directs the Legislative Auditor to study the economic impact that the city of New Orleans has had on the state’s finances (state revenues) over the past ten fiscal years.

Requires the Auditor to report findings to the House Committee on Appropriations before the 2027 Regular Session convenes.

Key Provisions

Mandates an economic impact study conducted by the Legislative Auditor focused on New Orleans.

Timeframe: The study covers the past ten fiscal years leading up to the 2027 session.

Reporting deadline: Findings must be reported to the House Committee on Appropriations prior to the convening of the 2027 Regular Session.

Collaboration/Support: The Secretary of the Department of Revenue is authorized to assist the Legislative Auditor by providing historical collections information as requested.

Who/What is Affected

Primary entity affected: The Legislative Auditor (and its staff) conducting the analysis.

The Secretary of the Department of Revenue is involved in providing data and support.

The Louisiana state budget and appropriations process may be influenced by the study’s findings, and the House Committee on Appropriations will review the results.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Action date in bill: Read by title on May 28, 2026.

Reporting requirement: Submit findings to the House Committee on Appropriations before the 2027 Regular Session.

Legislative instrument type: House Resolution (HR 370), not a bill changing law but directing a study.

Contextual Notes

The resolution underscores New Orleans’ role as a major tourism, convention, port, and economic hub in Louisiana.

The intent is to obtain a holistic measurement of how New Orleans contributes to state revenues and financial position, informing future resource allocation and economic strategy.

Practical Implications

If the study finds substantial positive fiscal contributions from New Orleans, it could influence state funding decisions, incentives, or investments intended to bolster tourism, ports, and major events in the city.

If the findings reveal nuanced or limited fiscal impact, it may prompt policy reviews or targeted support measures for the city’s economic sectors.

Overall, HR 370 directs a targeted, data-driven assessment by the Legislative Auditor to quantify New Orleans’ impact on state revenues over the prior decade, with findings to be shared with the appropriations committee ahead of the 2027 session.