7/9/03 - Louisiana residents who are a year overdue on a state tax bill of $1,000 or more will soon no longer be able to renew their driver’s licenses under legislation signed by Gov. Mike Foster. The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2004, authorizes the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to permit flagging the delinquent taxpayer’s driver’s license when it comes up for renewal and not allowing it to be reissued until taxes are paid. HB1315 allows tax deadbeats to retain their licenses by agreeing to a payment schedule with the state Revenue Department.

6/19/03 - Louisiana residents who are a year overdue on a state tax bill of $1,000 or more would not be able to renew their driver’s licenses under a bill sent to Gov. Mike Foster. HB1315, which previously passed the House and Senate, authorizes the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to permit flagging the delinquent taxpayer’s driver’s license when it comes up for renewal and not allowing it to be reissued until taxes are paid. Sponsored by Rep. Warren Triche, D-Thibodaux, the bill would allow tax deadbeats to retain their licenses by agreeing to a payment schedule with the state Revenue Department. If signed into law by the governor, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2004.

5/23/03 - Louisiana residents who are a year overdue on a state tax bill of $1,000 or more would not be able to renew their driver’s licenses under a proposal in the state Legislature. The bill authorizes the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to permit flagging the delinquent taxpayer’s driver’s license when it comes up for renewal and not allowing it to be reissued until taxes are paid. HB1315, sponsored by Rep. Warren Triche, D-Thibodaux, would allow tax deadbeats to retain their licenses by agreeing to a payment schedule with the state Revenue Department. The House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works approved the bill May 19. It has since been forwarded to the House floor for debate. For bill status, call 1-800-256-3793. In Baton Rouge, call (225) 342-2456.