ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Provides for matters related to brick manufacturing (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

ENROLLED
ACT No. 5632026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 672
BY REPRESENTATIVES OWEN AND SCHAMERHORN
1 AN ACT
2 To enact Part VI of Chapter 3 of Title 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be
3 comprised of R.S. 51:971 through 972, relative to brick manufacturing; to provide
4 legislative findings and purpose; to provide for permissions of Louisiana Economic
5 Development; to provide incentives for brick manufacturing; and to provide for
6 related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. Part VI of Chapter 3 of Title 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,
9 comprised of R.S. 51:971 through 972, is hereby enacted to read as follows:
10 PART VI. BOLSTERING BRICK MANUFACTURING IN LOUISIANA ACT
11 §971. Findings; purpose
12 A. The legislature finds that brick manufacturing has been integral to this
13 state's economy since its earliest days, yet this state currently ranks thirty-third
14 nationally in clay brick production despite possessing substantial clay deposits,
15 favorable natural gas pricing, superior port and rail infrastructure, and an
16 experienced manufacturing workforce. The legislature declares that expanding this
17 industry would create quality manufacturing jobs, increase supply of and demand for
18 locally-sourced building materials, and position this state to capture a greater share
19 of regional and national markets.
20 B. It is the purpose of this Act to bolster the establishment of brick
21 manufacturing facilities in this state by reducing regulatory barriers, lowering entry
22 costs, and providing targeted support to qualifying enterprises, thereby enabling this
23 state to leverage its natural resources and infrastructure for the benefit of local
24 workers and this state's economic competitiveness.
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HB NO. 672 ENROLLED
1 §972. Brick manufacturing; definitions; priority industry; rail and port access
2 A. Louisiana Economic Development may support the recruitment, retention,
3 and expansion of brick manufacturing facilities in this state within existing statutory
4 authority and subject to the availability of funds.
5 B. In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, Louisiana
6 Economic Development may develop policies, guidance, or program criteria
7 consistent with existing economic development programs, when appropriate and
8 within existing authority, including but not limited to the following:
9 (1) Identifying sites that possess characteristics suitable for brick
10 manufacturing operations, such as proximity to clay deposits, for pre-certification.
11 (2) Establishing specialized workforce development and training initiatives
12 for brick manufacturing.
13 (3) Developing job creation and hiring initiatives for brick manufacturing
14 enterprises.
15 (4) Providing clear regulatory pathways for the establishment of brick
16 manufacturing facilities throughout this state.
17 (5) Coordinating with ports, rail providers, and local governments regarding
18 infrastructure needs associated with brick manufacturing projects.
19 (6) Other lawful economic development activities consistent with this Part
20 and existing programs.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
APPROVED:
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.