HOUSE committee amendment changed six months imprisonment time to three.

Implications: The bill triples the maximum fine and extends potential jail time sixfold for St. Bernard Parish compared to the general statewide limit.

Amends R.S. 33:1243 to increase maximum penalties for parish ordinance violations specifically in St. Bernard Parish. Creates R.S. 33:1243(A)(3) setting the penalties at up to a $1,500 fine and six months imprisonment, overriding general state standards for this parish.

Comparison with Current Law:

• General statewide maximum: $500 fine and 30 days imprisonment.
• East Baton Rouge and Jefferson Parishes: $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment for certain violations.
• Some ordinances allow additional civil penalties up to $1,000/day and community service alternatives

Amends Act No. 487 of 1954 to exempt Alexandria’s municipal IT and cybersecurity employees from the classified civil service system. These roles—covering information systems, electronic security, and vulnerability management—will no longer be subject to civil service testing or protections, allowing greater hiring flexibility. This targeted change aligns with constitutional notice rules and aims to address modern tech needs in city government.

Enacts R.S. 40:537(A)(7) and (B)(3) to modify the governance of the Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority. It grants the parish president authority to remove any commissioner, except tenant commissioners, without cause—expanding beyond the current law (R.S. 40:537(A)(1)), which limits removal to neglect of duty, misconduct, or felony conviction. The removal process requires the parish president to send a notice to the commissioner and a copy to the board, with removal effective upon receipt or 10 days after the notice date, whichever is later. This change increases the parish president’s control over the housing authority’s board, allowing discretionary removals without justification, except for tenant representatives. It simplifies the process compared to existing requirements (e.g., no appeal hearing mandated), potentially streamlining governance but raising concerns about accountability or arbitrary decisions.

Amends R.S. 33:1651(C) to restructure the office of parish secretary-treasurer in Acadia Parish. It replaces the current role with a parish administrator, elected by the parish governing authority for a four-year term. Unlike the present law, where the secretary-treasurer’s term aligns with the governing authority’s, the administrator’s term begins two years into the authority’s term and ends two years into the next term. For the current secretary-treasurer, their term ends two years after its start, with the administrator’s term beginning then, allowing an election beforehand. Vacancies are filled by appointment for the unexpired term.

Enacts R.S. 33:2494(C)(7) to adjust the classified police service in Alexandria. For vacancies not filled by reinstatement or reemployment, the bill requires the appointing authority to choose from the five highest departmental seniority candidates on the promotional list, rather than just the top one. It retains the existing civil service system for municipalities over 13,000, adding a tailored exception for Alexandria. This balances seniority with flexibility, likely addressing local staffing needs.

This bill adjusts the current boundaries of this special district.

Amends R.S. 33:9091.5 to update the Lake Vista Crime Prevention District in Orleans Parish. It adjusts the district’s boundaries (now along Allen Toussaint Blvd, Marconi Dr, Beauregard Ave, and Lakeshore Dr), broadens its purpose to promote security, and expands powers to acquire/lease supplies and contract beyond just security patrols. The parcel fee rises from $220 to $400 max per year, subject to voter approval, with an 8-year term (up from 4) and renewable for 8 years. Funds must supplement, not replace, city/state services, and if the district dissolves, proceeds stay in a dedicated security account.

RAISES FEES for this special district WITH VOTER APPROVAL.

Amends R.S. 33:9091.12(F) to raise the Upper Audubon Security District’s parcel fee cap from $700 to $1,200, subject to voter approval, and shifts the 50% discount eligibility cutoff for special assessment owners to January 1, 2026 (from 2022). It repeals a 2021 expiration clause, keeping the fee term at 7 years, renewable by vote. Effective post-election in 2026 if approved, it boosts security funding with community consent.

MORE TAXES AND MORE TAXES AND MORE TAXES

Enacts R.S. 47:338.199 to allow the Jefferson Davis Parish School Board to levy an additional sales and use tax up to 0.5%, subject to voter approval. Exceeding the state’s 3% local tax cap but within the 5% total limit (excluding state taxes), it applies to retail sales, use, leases, and services in the parish. Collected like existing taxes, it requires an ordinance and election under Louisiana Election Code.

HOUSE floor amendment [LINK] adds "per day" to the increase in per diem.

Enacts R.S. 33:4305(B)(6) to adjust compensation rules for board members of gas utility districts in East Feliciana Parish. Key points: 1. Per Diem Increase: Raises the maximum per diem for board members from $75 to $250 per meeting, applicable to up to 24 regular and 2 special meetings annually. 2. No Salary: Maintains the prohibition on salaries for board duties. 3. Additional Compensation: Allows reasonable extra pay for members serving as secretary, treasurer, or secretary-treasurer, plus reimbursement for proper expenses. 4. Scope: Applies specifically to East Feliciana Parish gas utility districts, leaving broader state law unchanged. The bill enhances compensation flexibility for these board members while retaining core governance structures.

Seeks to repeal the Capital Area Transit System Act (R.S. 48:1451-1461), effectively dissolving the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) as a standalone political subdivision and transferring its obligations, property, records, and employees to the city of Baton Rouge and the parish of East Baton Rouge. This dismantles a separate political subdivision that operates public transportation in East Baton Rouge Parish and any other participating parishes. CATS, as established under the present law, has its own board of commissioners, taxing authority (subject to voter approval), and broad powers to manage transit operations, acquire property, and incur debt. By transferring its functions to the city-parish government, the bill eliminates an additional layer of bureaucracy, potentially streamlining decision-making and reducing administrative costs.

Proposes to enact R.S. 40:2267.6. This legislation authorizes the Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission to name its new 40,000 square foot laboratory building the "Martin Bofill 'Bo' Duhé Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory" in honor of District Attorney Martin Bofill "Bo" Duhé. Duhé served on the commission since 2015, including as president from 2017 to 2021, and played a key role in securing funding for the facility by working with the Acadiana Regional Legislative Delegation and other officials. The bill acknowledges his significant contributions to the project.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

ANOTHER SPECIAL DISTRICT this expands the boundaries instead of creating the district. I would ask questions about whether or not there are votes of the people in this district to raise taxes and fees when deciding whether or not to vote for this.

expands the boundaries of the Gentilly Development District in Orleans Parish.

Key Provisions:

• Revises R.S. 33:2740.70(B) to add new territory to the district.
• Adds an area bounded by I-10, I-610, Peoples Avenue, Almonaster Avenue, and Florida Avenue.
• Effective upon governor’s signature or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Expands eligibility criteria for the Louisiana State Museum Director position.

Key Change: Allows candidates with experience in a related field to qualify, in addition to those with a master’s degree in Museum Science or a related field

Broadens the candidate pool for museum leadership.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] change the position title throughout the bill from “chief of fire suppression” to “chief of operations.” They set new qualifications, requiring the person to have served as a battalion or district chief. The fire chief may reappoint or demote the chief of operations each year, and such demotions are not considered disciplinary and cannot be appealed. All references in the bill are updated to reflect this change.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] replace all references to “chief of operations,” “assistant chief,” or “second in command” with the title “chief of fire suppression.” They also establish new qualifications: the chief of fire suppression must have at least 25 years of service in fire suppression and at least one year as a suppression chief. If no one meets these criteria, the most senior suppression officer is appointed. Additional changes align terminology and procedures throughout the bill to reflect this new position title and structure.

Authorizes local governing authorities to create a new classified competitive fire service position—deputy fire chief, chief of operations, assistant chief, or second in command.

Key Provisions:

• Allows creation of the position by ordinance or resolution.
• Position must be filled competitively from within the department.
• Requires 15 years of full-time fire experience and current rank of captain.
• Appointee may supervise all classified personnel below the fire chief.
• Appointee retains and continues to earn seniority.
• May take promotional exams but cannot be promoted unless demoted back to prior rank.
• Subject to annual evaluations and civil service disciplinary protections.

Seeks to repeal Section 2 of Act No. 384 from the 2024 Regular Session. Act No. 384 mandated that the State Civil Service Commission and the Civil Service Commission of the City of New Orleans collaboratively develop a plan to transfer all employees of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the state civil service system, with full implementation required by August 1, 2025. However, House Resolution No. 334 of the 2024 Regular Session directed both commissions to disregard this mandate and not proceed with the proposed transfer plan. By repealing Section 2 of Act No. 384, HB 190 aims to nullify the requirement for this transfer plan, effectively maintaining the current civil service status of the Sewerage and Water Board employees. The bill includes an emergency clause, stipulating that it will become effective immediately upon the governor's signature or upon the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

RAISES PARCEL FEES in this special district must be APPROVED BY VOTERS

Proposes amendments to the statutes governing the Lakewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Increase in Parcel Fee: The bill seeks to raise the maximum allowable parcel fee from $450 to $600 per parcel annually. This fee is levied on each parcel within the district to fund crime prevention and improvement initiatives.
2. Fee Expiration and Renewal: The proposed legislation modifies the terms for the expiration and renewal of the parcel fee. Specifically, it allows for the fee to expire on December 31st following the 2010 mayoral election for New Orleans, with provisions for renewal or adjustment of the maximum fee amount upon approval by a majority of registered voters in the district. The renewed fee's term is capped at eight years.

3.    Residents of the Lakewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish have the opportunity to vote on the parcel fee. House Bill No. 191 proposes increasing the maximum parcel fee from $450 to $600 annually. For this increase to take effect, it must be approved by a majority of registered voters in the district during an election. Additionally, any renewal or adjustment of the fee amount in the future would also require voter approval, with each approved term lasting up to eight years.

This would EXTEND the existence of the district, when it was scheduled to sunset in 2028. Do they have a vote of the people to raise taxes in this district?

Proposes extending the existence of the French Quarter Management District (FQMD) in New Orleans from June 30, 2028, to June 30, 2033.

The FQMD is a political subdivision of the state established to enhance public safety and sanitation, provide supplemental resources for law enforcement related to the quality of life for tourists, residents, and businesses, engage in strategic planning, support business and commercial development, and administer capital improvement funds within the French Quarter.

CHECK THE ANTITRUST IMMUNITY NUMBER 5 Why is this broad antitrust immunity necessary for ambulance services in this instance? Is there a good reason for limiting/monopoly even when there is more than one service?

Seeks to expand the regulation of ground ambulance services by local governing authorities in Louisiana. The bill introduces several key provisions:

1.    Rate Submission to the Department of Insurance: Local governing authorities that have established rates for ground ambulance services, or the designated ambulance service providers operating on their behalf, are required to submit these rates to the Department of Insurance in a prescribed format. This submission must be certified as accurate by the submitting entity.

2.    Notification of Rate Changes: Any changes to the established rates must be promptly reported to the Department of Insurance to ensure the database reflects current pricing.

3.    Public Database Maintenance: The Department of Insurance is tasked with creating and maintaining a publicly accessible database on its website, displaying the submitted rates. Insurers are permitted to rely in good faith on the information presented in this database.

4.    Recognition of Home Rule Charters: The bill acknowledges existing provisions in home rule charters that allow parishes and municipalities to regulate ambulance services. It specifies that its provisions are to be interpreted retroactively, ensuring alignment with current local regulations.

5.    State Antitrust Immunity: Local governing authorities acting within the scope of this Section are granted the state's antitrust immunity. Such actions are presumed to be in furtherance of state policy, allowing municipalities to displace competition and provide monopoly public services when deemed necessary.

6.    Exclusion for Manufacturing Facilities: The bill clarifies that its provisions do not authorize the regulation of ambulance services located on manufacturing facility sites when such services are solely for use within the facility.

The antitrust immunity provision in House Bill No. 241 grants legal protection to local governing authorities in Louisiana when they regulate ground ambulance services—even if those actions might otherwise be seen as limiting competition.

Here's a breakdown of what this means:

1.    Normal Antitrust Laws: Under typical antitrust (competition) laws, it's illegal for entities to form monopolies or restrain trade because it can hurt consumers by reducing choices or inflating prices.

2.    State-Action Doctrine: However, there's a legal concept called the "state-action immunity doctrine" (from the U.S. Supreme Court case Parker v. Brown), which says that if a state or a political subdivision (like a city or parish) takes actions as part of a clearly defined state policy to regulate an industry, they can be exempt from federal antitrust laws.

3.    Application in HB 241: The bill explicitly extends this kind of immunity to local governments when they:

• Regulate ambulance services within their jurisdiction,
• Set or enforce rate structures,
• Limit the number of service providers, or
• Establish monopolies for public safety reasons (e.g., assigning a single provider for 911 ambulance response in a parish).

4.    Presumption of State Policy: HB 241 goes further to presume that such actions are “in furtherance of state policy.” That means local governments don’t have to prove the state’s intent each time—they’re automatically covered when operating under this law.

Proposes to amend the governance structure of the East Baton Rouge Parish Communications District. The bill seeks to expand the board of commissioners from seven to nine members by adding two additional members appointed by the parish governing authority. One of these new members is required to be a qualified elector from the city of St. George. Both new members will serve initial four-year terms, with successors also serving four-year terms.

Additionally, the bill allows any board member, who are unpaid, to appoint a designee if they are unable to attend a meeting.

The proposed expansion aims to provide broader representation within the district's governance, particularly by including a representative from the newly incorporated city of St. George. This inclusion reflects an effort to ensure that communities within East Baton Rouge Parish have a voice in the management of the parish's communications infrastructure.

Overall, these changes are intended to improve the governance and operational efficiency of the East Baton Rouge Parish Communications District by ensuring more inclusive representation and accommodating the practical needs of board members.

Proposes amendments to the statutes governing the New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority Economic Growth and Development District.

The bill focuses on the district's authority to enter into Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1.    Tax Exemption for District-Owned Property:

o  The bill reaffirms that any property acquired or owned by the district is considered public property used for public purposes and is exempt from all ad valorem taxes.

2.    Taxation of Improvements:

o  Improvements on such properties, unless owned by the New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority, will be subject to ad valorem taxes or, alternatively, a PILOT agreement.

3.    PILOT Agreements:

o  The district's board may designate specific properties as "economic development projects" eligible for PILOT agreements.

o  Lessees or sublessees of these projects are required to make annual payments to local taxing authorities, not exceeding the amount that would have been due if the lessee owned the property.

o  Full payment of ad valorem taxes levied by the Orleans Parish School Board is mandatory, without any reductions through PILOT agreements.

4.    Review and Approval Process:

o  Prior to finalizing a PILOT agreement, the district must submit the proposal to the New Orleans City Council for review.

o  The proposal must include:

§ The term and annual amount of the PILOT.

§ A description of the economic development project, which should involve:

§ Creation of at least ten new permanent jobs per distinct parcel.

§ Development of a minimum of seventy-five affordable workforce housing units, maintained at affordable rates for at least thirty years.

This indicates that the Council is involved in the process by reviewing the terms, but their formal approval is not a required step for the agreement to take effect — at least based on the current bill language.

Proposes statewide changes to the qualifications for certain members of Louisiana's fire and police civil service boards.

Specifically, the bill seeks to amend R.S. 33:2476(B)(1)(c) and 2536(B)(1)(c) to eliminate the requirement for local governing authority approval when exempting employee-elected board members from residency and voter qualifications.

Current Law:

·       Each fire and police civil service board consists of five members appointed by the respective governing body.

·       At least two members are elected by and from the regular employees of the fire and police departments.

·       These employee-elected members must be U.S. citizens, have resided in the area they serve for at least five years, and be qualified voters of that area.

·       An exception allows these members to be exempt from the residency and voter qualifications if approved by a resolution of the local governing authority.

Proposed Changes:

·       The bill removes the requirement for local governing authority approval for the residency and voter qualification exemptions.

·       This means that the two members elected by and from the fire and police departments would no longer need to be residents or qualified voters of the area they serve, nor residents of the parish in which the area is located, without needing approval from the local governing authority.

Proposing a special district. At least this one has voter approval.

Proposes the creation of the Cypress Point Improvement District in East Baton Rouge Parish. The district would be a political subdivision of the state, created to improve drainage, sewer systems, and overall infrastructure in the defined area.

Boundaries:

The district includes properties located within I-10 West, North Branch Ward Creek, and South Essen Heights. Specifically, it covers addresses from 8400 through 8680 East Cypress Point Court.

Governance:

The district would be governed by a seven-member board of commissioners:

·       Four appointed by the Cypress Point Homeowners Association board

·       One by the House Representative whose district covers the area

·       One by the State Senator for the district

·       One by the East Baton Rouge Parish Assessor

All members must be property owners, residents of the district, and registered voters. They serve four-year terms (with initial terms staggered) and may be reimbursed up to $100 annually for expenses.

Powers and Duties:

The district may:

·       Impose a parcel fee (with voter approval) on each improved parcel

·       Use fee proceeds for sewer and drainage improvements

·       Enter into necessary contracts to fulfill its objectives

Funding:

The parcel fee must be approved by district voters and would be collected annually like a property tax. The exact amount and term of the fee depend on what is approved by voters.

Termination:

The district will automatically dissolve:

·       After 20 years from the effective date of the act, or

·       If a majority of voters in the district approve its dissolution

Any remaining funds at dissolution go to the parish government for use in the same area.

Proposes legislative changes affecting the village of Hall Summit in Red River Parish, Louisiana.

The bill seeks to amend R.S. 33:381 by adding subsection (C)(37), which would grant the village's board of aldermen the authority to abolish the office of the police chief, contingent upon the mayor's recommendation.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1.    Abolition of the Police Chief's Office:

o  The board of aldermen may abolish the office of the police chief upon the mayor's recommendation.

o  This action would become effective either at the end of the current police chief's term or upon the occurrence of a vacancy.

o  If the office is occupied by a temporarily appointed officer at the time of the decision, the abolition would take effect as specified by ordinance.

2.    Contracting for Law Enforcement Services:

o  Should both the office of the police chief and the municipal police department be abolished, the mayor and board of aldermen are authorized to enter into contracts or cooperative endeavor agreements with any law enforcement entity or officer within Red River Parish to provide police services for the village.

Context and Implications:

Under existing law, municipalities operating under the Lawrason Act are required to have certain officers, including a mayor, aldermen, and a chief of police. While the board of aldermen has the authority to create, abolish, merge, or consolidate municipal departments upon the mayor's written recommendation, the police department, particularly when led by an elected chief of police, has been an exception to this provision.

LOCAL BILL

Proposes legislative changes concerning the village of Edgefield in Red River Parish. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend R.S. 33:381(C) by adding a new provision, designated as (C)(37).

Under the proposed legislation, the board of aldermen of Edgefield, upon the mayor's recommendation, would have the authority to abolish the office of the chief of police. This action would take effect at the end of the current police chief's term or upon the occurrence of a vacancy, whichever comes first. However, if the office is occupied by a temporarily appointed officer at the time of such action, the abolition would become effective as specified by ordinance.

If both the office of the chief of police and the municipal police department are abolished, the mayor and board of aldermen would be authorized to enter into contracts or cooperative endeavor agreements with other law enforcement entities or officers within Red River Parish to provide police services for the village.

The bill includes a notice indicating that the intention to introduce this Act has been published in accordance with Article III, Section 13 of the Louisiana Constitution.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 33:2740.70.5 concerning the distribution of sales and use tax revenue in East Baton Rouge Parish.

The bill aims to authorize the parish governing authority to rebate sales and use tax revenue collected from admission tickets, concessions, and parking at specific events.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation:

1.    Eligibility Criteria for Events:

o  The event must be held in a publicly owned facility with a seating capacity of at least 7,500.

o  Alternatively, the event must span two or more days with an average daily attendance of at least 7,500.

2.    Approval Process:

o  The rebate requires a recommendation from Visit Baton Rouge.

o  The city-parish governing authority must approve the rebate before ticket sales commence.

3.    Definition of "Rebate":

o  The term "rebate" is defined as a payment to the promoter of the event.

4.    Timeline for Rebate Issuance:

o  The parish governing authority is mandated to issue the rebate within 90 days after receiving sufficient proof of entitlement.

The proposed changes aim to incentivize promoters to host large-scale events in East Baton Rouge Parish by offering financial rebates from sales and use taxes collected on admission, concessions, and parking. This initiative could enhance the parish's attractiveness as a venue for significant events, potentially boosting local economic activity.

Proposes several amendments to the statutes governing the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. The bill aims to refine the authority's powers and duties, particularly concerning the development and financing of projects like the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Project. This bill does not increase taxes — it primarily reallocates or clarifies how existing funds and tax revenues can be used.

Specifically:

• It authorizes the use of the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority’s existing tax revenues and other income to fund the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Project.
• It introduces a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) system for lessees of the hotel project. Instead of paying regular property taxes, the lessee will make structured payments based on the number of rooms and a comparative rate — this doesn't create a new tax but ensures the lessee contributes a fair share over time.

Key provisions of the bill:

1.    Definition of "Project":

The bill clarifies the definition of "project" to encompass various convention, exhibition, and tourist facilities. This includes the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Project, which features a multi-story parking garage and a bridge connecting the hotel to the south end of the convention center. The definition also covers necessary land acquisitions, site improvements, infrastructure, furnishings, machinery, equipment, and related appurtenances.

2.    Utilization of Tax Revenues:

The authority is authorized to use its tax revenues and other income for the design, development, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Project. This can be executed through contracts or cooperative endeavor agreements.

3.    Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT):

Any lease agreement for the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Project must include provisions for payments in lieu of ad valorem taxes by the lessee. These payments are calculated based on the number of rooms in the hotel multiplied by the average per-room tax assessment of the three largest hotels in downtown New Orleans that are fully taxable. The payment schedule is structured as follows:

o  First Year: 45% of the base rate

o  Second Year: 65% of the base rate

o  Third Year: 85% of the base rate

o  Fourth Year and Thereafter: 100% of the base rate

4.    Public-Private Partnerships:

For developments involving joint projects with private entities on land owned by the authority, the bill outlines specific provisions. These provisions are designed to facilitate public-private partnerships, although the exact details are not fully specified in the available summary.

REQUIRES VOTE OF THE PEOPLE

Proposed amendments to R.S. 33:2740.45 concerning ad valorem taxes for public cemeteries in Morehouse Parish. The key provisions of the bill are:

1.    Increase in Maximum Ad Valorem Tax Rate:

The bill seeks to raise the maximum allowable ad valorem tax that the governing authority of Morehouse Parish can levy in any ward from two mills to three mills. This tax is intended for the acquisition, improvement, maintenance, and upkeep of public cemeteries within the respective ward.

2.    Voter Approval Requirement:

The proposed tax increase would only be implemented if approved by a majority of qualified electors in the affected ward through an election conducted in accordance with Louisiana's general election laws.

3.    Utilization of Unexpended Tax Proceeds:

The bill authorizes the governing authority to use any unexpended proceeds from taxes levied in tax years prior to 2025 for the acquisition and improvement of public cemeteries in the ward.

The bill is designed to provide additional funding for public cemeteries in Morehouse Parish by increasing the potential ad valorem tax rate and expanding the permissible uses of both current and prior unexpended tax proceeds.

Proposes several changes to the Atchafalaya Trace Commission and the Atchafalaya Trace Heritage Area:

1.    Name Change: The bill renames the "Atchafalaya Trace Heritage Area" to the "Atchafalaya National Heritage Area."

2.    Inclusion of Lafourche Parish: Lafourche Parish is added to the heritage area, expanding its coverage.

3.    Commission Membership Increase: The commission's membership increases from fourteen to fifteen to accommodate representation from Lafourche Parish.

4.    Additional Responsibilities: The commission is authorized to acquire real property from willing sellers within the heritage area as necessary to fulfill its purposes.

Expands the authority of the Northeast Louisiana Multimodal District. Specifically, the bill:

1.    Allows the district to enter into contracts for acquiring, building, operating, maintaining, and upgrading necessary facilities. This includes agreements with rail freight common carriers, adhering to federal and state regulations.

2.    Grants the district similar powers to those held by industrial development boards.

3.    Provides the district with powers equivalent to economic development districts.

4.    Permits the creation of subdistricts within its boundaries after proper public notice and a public hearing. These subdistricts will operate as political subdivisions under the district's governance, maintaining the district’s powers.

The bill will take effect upon signature by the governor or after the governor’s time to act on the bill has expired.

Proposes regulations for significant exterior renovations on state or local government-owned properties within Louisiana's historic preservation districts. Specifically, it targets projects exceeding $200,000 on landmarks or contributing rated structures.

Key Provisions:

1. Compliance with Preservation Standards: Projects must adhere to the Department of the Interior's guidelines, including the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, or obtain a certificate of appropriateness as outlined in R.S. 25:738.

2. Notification Requirements: Before commencing work, the responsible state or local entity must notify local legislators and the relevant historic district commission, detailing the project's scope and referencing this legislation.

3. Historic Commission Review: Within 30 days of notification, the local historic district commission can opt to review the project. If they choose to do so, a public hearing must be held to gather community feedback.

4. Enforcement Measures: Should a project not comply with these provisions, the historic district commission has the authority to issue a stop order or seek legal remedies to ensure adherence.

The bill is set to apply to projects initiated on or after August 1, 2025.

Clarifies that subdivision plat approvals remain a legislative function of local planning commissions. It limits judicial review of local subdivision ordinances and related actions (by the governing authority, planning commission, or planning administrator) to claims that the ordinance or action was arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion, an unreasonable use of police powers, or a denial of due process. Judicial review is limited to the record established before the deciding authority. The bill also states that no duty is imposed on local governments toward individuals or groups through subdivision ordinances.

Impact: Narrows and defines judicial review standards for local land use decisions, reinforcing deference to local legislative discretion.

Revises civil service rules for Lafayette Police, creating a new process for appointing majors and limiting existing promotion rules to ranks of lieutenant and captain.

Key Changes: 

- Promotion lists based on seniority now apply only to lieutenant and captain. 

- Establishes a new process for appointing majors: 

 - Sergeants or above may take a competitive exam. 

 - Police chief selects from passing candidates for a one-year term. 

 - Term is renewable annually without retesting; chief may demote without appeal. 

 - Demotion from major does not affect seniority. 

 - Majors may take promotional exams for higher ranks but are not eligible for promotion unless demoted back. 

- Applies only to those appointed or on probation as major on or after July 1, 2025. 

Effective: July 1, 2025

LOCAL FEE INCREASE

Requires the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to assess a stormwater fee on developed parcels in the city to fund the city’s public drainage system.

Key Provisions: 

- Mandates a stormwater fee on all developed parcels based on a formula rate plan approved by the Public Service Commission. 

- Fee calculation is based on impervious area; single-family parcels within a specified range of median impervious area are assessed a standard unit. 

- Parcels with greater or lesser impervious area are assessed proportionally. 

- Rebates may be provided for single-family parcels with stormwater reduction systems. 

- Discounts are available for non-residential parcels with enhanced stormwater retention or direct discharge to Lake Pontchartrain with treatment. 

- Fee revenues must fully fund the drainage system, including capital improvements and debt service. 

- Total fees are offset by city drainage millages and any city funding for infrastructure maintenance. 

- Stormwater fees are capped for single-family residential parcels at the equivalent of 16.34 mills. 

- Fees are collected via annual property tax bills; delinquent fees incur penalties.

Requires the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to establish and maintain employment eligibility lists.

Key Provisions: 

- Retains current law allowing the Sewerage and Water Board to hire necessary staff and requiring civil service exams for most positions. 

- Reaffirms that executive management positions are exempt from civil service rules and city residency requirements. 

- Adds a requirement for the board to create and maintain employment lists of eligible candidates for positions. 

- Becomes effective only if a related constitutional amendment (proposed in another bill) is approved by voters.

LOCAL TAX INCREASE--does authorize a local vote on the tax increase.

Increases the maximum occupancy tax that the city of New Orleans may levy on short-term rentals. 

Key Provisions: 

- Amends current law to raise the maximum short-term rental occupancy tax rate from 6.75% to 10%. 

- Applies to paid occupancy of short-term rentals within the city of New Orleans. 

- Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

HOUSE floor bureau amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] The original bill attempted a broad restructuring of the Sewerage and Water Board with new state and local appointees, dissolved the selection committee, and elimination of local residency requirements. The engrossed bill only keeps limited governance reforms:

• Internal election of board president,
• Legal independence from the city attorney,
• Technical updates on reporting and expropriation,
• Repeal of several obsolete provisions.

The core governance structure and local control remain unchanged in the engrossed version.

Reforms the governance of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans by restructuring its membership, eliminating the existing selection process, and revising board powers, duties, and reporting requirements.

Key Provisions: 

- Board Composition: Replaces the current board structure with 11 new appointments from a variety of local and state officials, including the mayor, city council, state departments, and Orleans legislative delegation. 

- Selection Process: Eliminates the existing selection committee composed of local university and civic leaders. Removes requirements for nominees to be registered voters or domiciliaries of Orleans Parish. 

- Diversity Clause: Requires board appointments to reflect the racial and gender diversity of New Orleans. 

- Experience Requirement: Board members must have experience in relevant fields such as law, engineering, finance, or public administration. 

- Board Leadership: Removes the mayor as ex officio president. The board will elect its own president for a one-year term. 

- Legal Counsel: Replaces the city attorney and special counsel system with authority for the board to directly hire legal counsel. 

- Service of Process: Updates who may serve as the board’s agent for legal matters to include the board’s legal counsel. 

- Expropriation Authority: Assigns expropriation responsibilities to board’s legal counsel instead of the city attorney. 

- Quarterly Reporting: Requires the executive director, rather than the mayor or chief administrative officer, to present quarterly reports to the city council. 

- Drainage System Funding: Repeals the city’s exemption from funding the drainage system. 

- Repealed Provisions: 

 - Local labor hiring preferences in contracts. 

 - Procedures for fund apportionment among water, sewer, and drainage systems. 

- Transition: Current board members' terms end January 12, 2026, with new appointments taking office under the new system.

Effective Date: January 12, 2026.

Allows the City of Central to continue in its autonomy as an independent city controlling its own parks and recreation, mandating cooperation from the BREC.

Creates the Central Recreation District in East Baton Rouge Parish, separating the city of Central from the jurisdiction of the parish-wide Recreation and Park Commission (BREC).

Key Provisions:

• Establishes a new Central Recreation District with boundaries matching the city of Central.
• Transfers control of parks, buildings, assets, and programs within Central from BREC to the new district effective July 1, 2025.
• Removes Central from BREC’s taxing authority, except where taxes are pledged to bonded debt.
• Authorizes the new district to levy up to 12 mills in ad valorem taxes (2025–2030) and additional taxes starting in 2031, subject to voter approval.
• Sets governance by the Central mayor, city council, and one state House appointee.
• Mandates full asset transfer cooperation from BREC and prohibits obstruction, asset removal, or unrelated debt assignments.

Proposed the establishment of term limits for members of the Sabine Parish Police Jury. Under this bill, individuals who have been elected to serve more than two and a half terms would be ineligible for re-election to the police jury. This term limit would take effect only if approved by a majority vote in a public election. The bill is set to become effective on August 1, 2025.