The House Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) convened on August 8, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on fee increases proposed by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) and a contract extension for environmental services.

The meeting began with the LHC's executive director presenting a request for an increase in fees, the first since February 2014. The executive team, which has been in place for six months, highlighted that the LHC has faced financial losses over the past decade, necessitating the use of reserves to maintain operations. The proposed fee increase aims to address these losses, cover mandated salary increases, and account for inflation over the past eleven years. The executive director assured committee members that the fee increase would not impact homeowners or tenants, as these fees are professional service charges and will not be passed on to consumers.

Committee members engaged in discussions regarding the implications of the fee increase. Senator Barra confirmed that the services provided by the LHC would remain unaffected, and the executive director expressed confidence that the agency could enhance its service delivery with the additional revenue. Representative LaPlue noted that the last fee adjustment occurred in 2014 and inquired about the market study fee, which is expected to rise slightly due to inflation. The committee ultimately approved the fee increase motion, allowing the LHC to proceed with its financial recovery plan.

Following the LHC discussion, the committee reviewed a contract extension between the Department of Environmental Quality and Atlas Technical Consultants. Undersecretary Teresa Delafos presented the request, stating that the consultants have been effective in providing interim corrective actions at two remediation sites in Acadia and Vermillion Parishes. The extension would maintain the same rates and terms for an additional 24 months, ensuring continuity in environmental remediation efforts.

The meeting concluded with the approval of both the LHC fee increase and the contract extension, marking a significant step in addressing the financial challenges faced by the LHC and ensuring ongoing environmental protection efforts in Louisiana.