Louisiana Centralizes Debt Collection, Increases Efforts to Collect Taxes, Debts

Louisiana ramped up its debt collection efforts through recent legislation (H.B. 629) authorizing, within the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR), a new Office of Debt Recovery that gives the state greater collection powers.

Louisiana state Rep. Chris Broadwater (R), one of the legislation’s sponsors, estimated that with its new centralized debt collection powers, Louisiana will be able to collect an additional $200 million over the next several years—possibly $20 million to $30 million this year alone.

The Office of Debt Recovery will work in tandem with the attorney general’s office and will collect delinquent debts, accounts, or claims ...