UNFUNDED MANDATES

STATE

A constitutional amendment was approved by the voters of Louisiana in October of 1991 and became effective in November 1991. This amendment provided that the Legislature could not impose unfunded mandates unless passed by a two thirds vote of the legislature. This amendment has greatly helped local government in the budgeting process. However, the legislature continues to enact legislation mandating costs to local government.
 

FEDERAL

For many years Congress has mandated programs that cost local government millions of dollars. Programs like the Clean Air & Water Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and many others - although very worthy causes, have placed enormous burdens on local government.

Congress recently passed an unfunded mandates law, curtailing this practice.