License Fee in Louisiana Could Go Up to Fight Litter

SHREVEPORT, LA - The Louisiana House has passed a higher driver's license fee and the money generated would go toward litter abatement across the state. State Rep John "Big John" Illg Jr. proposed this measure at the request of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.

Illg says the trash on our highways is an "embarrassment and a hazard" and creates a negative impression about our state.

Illg adds "most people want to keep driving when they enter our state."

He says this measure would cost motorists $1 dollar additional every year.

Illg says the bulk of this additional money would be allocated to local governments to increase litter abatement efforts.

State Rep Danny McCormick of Oil City questioned whether or not this money would simply be funneled to existing agencies and Illg replied that this is intended to be in addition to what is already being done.

He says this effort will focus on state roads in all 64 parishes around the state.

The House did add an amendment to the bill to put a 2 year sunset clause in place. That means this added fee would expired in 2 years if there is not significant improvement in litter cleanup efforts as a result of this funding.

The measure passed on a 71 to 23 vote and is now headed to the Senate.

If approved, this measure would bring in nearly $4 million dollars.

Here's What the Law Does Say:

"Proposed law increases the basic license fee in present law from $42.75 to $48.75 and changes the fee to be forwarded to the litter abatement account from $1.50 to $7.50."