The state Senate voted 38-0 Thursday morning in favor of legislation that would allow Louisiana taxpayers to opt against receiving income tax refunds on debit cards.
The state Department of Revenue’s shift from paper checks to the debit cards in a cost-cutting measure sparked protests by legislators and led to House Bill 1092 by state Rep. Jim Fannin, D-Jonesboro.
The bill would allow taxpayers to choose a check, debit card or direct deposit for receipt of their refunds. The bill would be effective for three years, beginning in the 2013 tax year.
HB1092 now returns to the Louisiana House for concurrence on Senate changes that put the three-year sunset on the legislation.
