Louisiana Governor Landry vetoed the Sound Recording Incentive Bill on June 20th, 2025. HB 653 By Representative Paula Davis sought to retain the present program’s tax incentives for LA recording projects and music industry job creation and move the program’s administration from LA Economic Development to the Department of Cultural Recreation and Tourism in the Lt Governor’s Office. This change would increase economic sustainability and growth in the Louisiana music industry by making the benefits of this tax incentive more accessible.
The bill received overwhelming Legislative support, passing in the House of Representatives on May 19th and the Senate on June 3rd in the recently ended Regular Legislative session with no expressed opposition from the Governor’s office.
We are shocked that the Governor would veto a bill that was never opposed by his administration during the entire legislative process. His office notified no one of his intention and his veto message leaves one wondering why and by whom he was prompted, at the last minute, to deny thousands of Louisiana musicians and businesses the opportunity to grow and have careers that would keep them in our state. Our top notch higher education programs are graduating students that have to leave the state to find jobs. Many Louisiana communities have or are creating redevelopment strategies with music at their core. Vetoing this bill eliminates the state’s only investment in the music industry and a fundamental tool for its development and shows a complete lack of regard for the Louisiana music community, its economic power, and its potential for growth.
Governor Landry’s veto message touts that the program was underutilized, a claim which only validates the need to move the program to the Lt. Governor’s office, where a more streamlined process, and music friendly office would provide greater utilization and ROI for the state.
It is disappointing that the Governor would not choose to seek further information before making such an egregious decision. Louisiana Musicians are our greatest renewable natural resource with a statewide industry that supports over 30,000 jobs and contributes $1.4 Billion to the state GDP.
The Sound Recording tax credit program, presently administered by LED, is slated to sunset this June 30th .
Louisiana Music Partners is a 501c (6) with a mission to educate, enhance and advocate for the Louisiana Music Community including artists, related businesses and fans.
