BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Treasurer John Kennedy says the state needs to do a better job of collecting the money it's owed.

A recent state report compiled by the governor's Division of Administration shows more than $1 billion in debts owed to the state are 180 days past due or more.

Kennedy says the state should start pursuing those debtors more aggressively, noting the money could help Louisiana cope with its deep budget shortfall. However, the division estimates hundreds of millions of dollars would be uncollectable.

All state agencies and related departments are required to report details quarterly on any accounts receivable and debt owed to the state. That could include unpaid license costs, fees at universities and public health care bills, for example.