LEGISLATIVE ALERT

To:  Louisiana Manufacturers, Distributors, and Installers

From:  IWFA Office

Date:  May 1, 2006

Subject:  Senate Bill 359

A Legislative Alert was distributed to members on April 10, 2006                advising of proposed changes to Louisiana law that would amend                 Section 32:361.1 of the Code to increase the penalties for violations                     of window tinting law.

The substantial increases for the penalty provisions of the law were a             concern to the industry.  The IWFA has historically supported reasonable            penalty provisions, but the level proposed could actually result in              decreased enforcement and judicial convictions. 

We discussed our concerns with the bill’s patron, Senator Ken Hollis,           and he has agreed to reduce the penalty provision to some extent but is             adamant that some increase was necessary to address the perception of                 a statewide problem with illegal tinting.  Senator Hollis amended his           legislation with the following language:

    “Reduces the fine for the first offense from $1500 to $1000 and               for a second offense from $3000 to $2000.  The legislation also            requires that the offender be prohibited from conducting business             specified in present law for a third or subsequent offense.”

The legislation passed the Senate without opposition, which indicates the        extent to which the Senate feels that this is a problem.  The legislation has          now been sent to the House.  The House has not assigned Senate Bill 359            to a Committee, but it is anticipated that the House Transportation,                  Highways and Public Works Committee will be considering the legislation.         The website for the information on this committee is:     http://house.louisiana.gov/H-Reps/traddresses.asp

The Legislative Consultant will contact the appropriate House leadership              to discuss the legislation, and IWFA members should also address any      concerns  to their respective House members or contacts.