HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED Page 1 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Regular Session, 2011 HOUSE BILL NO. 531 BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBIDEAUX PARISH/LAFAYETTE: Creates the Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority AN ACT1 To amend and reenact R.S. 44.4.1(B)(18) and to enact Chapter 13-M of Title 33 of the2 Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be comprised of R.S. 33:4720.201, to create3 the Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority; to provide for the formation of a4 program or programs in the parish of Lafayette for the use of appropriate private and5 public resources to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of slum,6 blighted, and distressed areas; to allow the rehabilitation, clearance, and7 redevelopment of slum, blighted, and distressed areas; to provide for the expeditious8 conversion of blighted or underused property into habitable residential dwellings in9 the parish of Lafayette; to define the duties, liabilities, authority, and functions of the10 redevelopment authority; to authorize public bodies to furnish funds, services,11 facilities, and property in aid of redevelopment projects; and to provide for related12 matters.13 Notice of intention to introduce this Act has been published14 as provided by Article III, Section 13 of the Constitution of15 Louisiana.16 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:17 Section 1. Chapter 13-M of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,18 comprised of R.S. 33:4720.201, is hereby enacted to read as follows:19 CHAPTER 13-M. LAFAYETTE PARISH REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORI TY20 ยง4720.201. Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority21 A. This Chapter may be referred to as the "Lafayette Parish Redevelopment22 Law".23 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 2 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. B. It is hereby found and declared that:1 (1) There exist in the parish of Lafayette areas which have become blighted2 and distressed because of any or all of the following: the unsafe, unsanitary,3 inadequate, or overcrowded condition of the structures therein, inadequate planning4 for the area, physically or functionally obsolete structures, excessive dwelling unit5 density, the lack of proper light and air and open space, faulty street or lot design,6 inadequate public utilities or community services, failure to adequately maintain and7 repair structures, the conversion to incompatible types of land usage, or8 environmental conditions and circumstances. Such conditions or a combination of9 some or all of them have and will continue to result in making such areas economic10 and social liabilities.11 (2) The prevention and elimination of blighted and distressed properties are12 matters of public policy and concern, as such areas tend to consume a13 disproportionate amount of parish revenues because of the extra services required for14 police, fire, accident, and other forms of public protection, services, and facilities.15 (3) The salvage, renewal, redevelopment, and reconstruction of such areas16 will promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the public.17 (4) The powers conferred by this Chapter are for public uses, purposes,18 welfare, and public money may be expended as necessary in the exercise of such19 powers. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply for residential, recreational,20 commercial, industrial, or other purposes and otherwise to encourage the provision21 of healthful homes, safe neighborhoods, a decent living environment, and adequate22 places of employment for the people. Such purposes are hereby declared as a matter23 of legislative determination.24 (5) The object of this Chapter is to provide for the following:25 (a) The general and economic welfare of the parish through housing,26 commercial, office, hospitality, recreation, education, infrastructure and utility27 capacity, manufacturing, industrial, research, retail, or other activities which will28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 3 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. create or retain jobs, maintain or diversify industry, including new or emerging1 technologies, or maintain or increase the tax base.2 (b) The improvement of conditions of deteriorated physical development,3 slow economic growth, and eroded financial health of the public and private sectors.4 (c) The control, abatement, and prevention of pollution to protect public5 health and safety and the development and use of indigenous and renewable energy6 resources.7 (d) Assistance to nonprofit and governmental entities in support of health,8 educational, charitable, community, cultural, agricultural, consumer, or other9 services benefitting the citizens.10 C.(1) There is hereby created in the parish of Lafayette a body politic and11 corporate which shall exist in perpetuity and shall be known as the Lafayette Parish12 Redevelopment Authority, referred to in this Chapter as the "authority".13 (2) The authority shall be a special district created pursuant to Article VI,14 Section 19 of the Constitution of Louisiana and political subdivision of the state as15 defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution of Louisiana. The authority,16 acting through its governing board, is hereby granted all of the rights, powers,17 privileges, and immunities accorded by the laws and the Constitution of Louisiana18 to political subdivisions of the state, subject to the limitations provided in this19 Chapter.20 D. The authority, for the purposes of this Chapter, may within its jurisdiction21 formulate a workable program or programs for using appropriate private and public22 resources to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of slums and blight,23 to encourage needed rehabilitation, to provide for the redevelopment of slums or24 blighted areas, and to undertake other feasible parochial activities as may be suitably25 employed to achieve the objectives of such workable program.26 E. The authority, to the greatest extent it determines to be feasible in carrying27 out the provisions of this Chapter, shall seek out cooperative endeavors, including28 partnerships, joint ventures, and equity participation structures, with nonprofit29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 4 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. organizations and private enterprise. The authority shall give consideration to this1 objective in exercising the powers granted pursuant to this Chapter.2 F.(1) The Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority shall be comprised of3 all of the territory located within the parish of Lafayette, including the territory4 comprising the municipalities of Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, and5 Youngsville, constituted on the effective date of this Chapter; however, the6 governing authority of each municipality may opt out of being included within the7 territorial jurisdiction of the authority.8 (2) The authority shall be activated and implemented when the governing9 authority of Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government recognizes and10 confirms the appointment of the initial five members of the board.11 G.(1) The Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority shall be governed by12 a board of commissioners, referred to in this Chapter as the "board", consisting of13 five members appointed as follows:14 (a) One member shall be appointed by the city-parish president of the15 Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government.16 (b) One member shall be appointed by the governing authority of the17 Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government.18 (c) One member shall be appointed by the member or members who19 represent Louisiana House of Representatives District No. 44.20 (d) One member shall be appointed by the member or members who21 represent Louisiana Senate District No. 24.22 (e) One member appointed by the governing board of the Community23 Foundation of Acadiana.24 (2) All appointments shall be confirmed by the governing authority of the25 Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government.26 (3) Each appointing authority shall present its initial appointee to the27 governing authority of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government no later28 than December 31, 2011. Such presentations by the appointing authorities shall be29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 5 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. in writing, shall be made at an official and open meeting of the governing authority1 of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government, and shall include information2 sufficient to allow the governing authority to assess the qualifications and fitness of3 the appointee for his intended duties. Upon receipt of such presentation, the4 governing authority shall have the right to confirm or reject said appointment. Such5 confirmation or rejection shall be made in the manner and under the procedure6 prescribed by the governing authority. Regardless of the manner and procedure so7 employed, if the governing authority does not reject an appointment within sixty8 days after the presentation required by this Paragraph, then the appointment shall be9 deemed confirmed.10 (4) Each board member shall be a citizen of the United States, a domiciliary11 of and a qualified voter in the parish of Lafayette for at least one year preceding the12 date of appointment, and shall remain a domiciliary of and a qualified voter of such13 jurisdiction during the entirety of his term of office. Furthermore, each board14 member shall be of good character and shall possess some skill, knowledge, or15 experience that will prove useful in the accomplishment of the goals of the authority16 as set forth in Subsection B of this Section.17 (5) Each board member shall serve for a term of four years unless removed18 for cause by the board as provided in this Chapter or removed for any reason by19 authorized action of the appointing authority. Initial terms shall be established in the20 bylaws of the authority.21 (6) The board shall establish rules and requirements relative to the22 attendance and participation of members in its meetings, regular or special. Such23 rules and regulations may prescribe a procedure whereby, should any member fail24 to comply with such rules and regulations, the member may be disqualified and25 removed from office by no less than a majority vote of the remaining members of the26 board, and that member's position shall be vacant as of the first day of the next27 calendar month. Any person removed under the provisions of this Paragraph shall28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 6 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. be ineligible for reappointment to the board unless such reappointment is confirmed1 unanimously by the board.2 (7)(a) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the3 original appointment. In such cases a majority of the remaining board members may4 appoint an interim member to serve until a new member is confirmed.5 (b) When a vacancy occurs on the board, a majority of the remaining board6 members may select an interim member to serve until a new member is appointed.7 (8) Board members shall serve without compensation, shall have the power8 to organize and reorganize the executive, administrative, clerical, and other9 departments and forces of the authority and to fix the duties, powers, and10 compensation of all employees, agents, and consultants of the authority. The board11 may reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred in the performance of12 duties on behalf of the authority.13 (9) The board shall elect yearly from its number a chairman, a vice chairman,14 a secretary, and a treasurer and shall establish their duties as may be regulated by15 rules adopted by the board. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by the16 same person. The board may meet in regular session once each month and also shall17 meet in special session as convened by the chairman or upon written notice signed18 by three members. A majority of the members of the board, not including vacancies,19 shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.20 (10) All actions of the board shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a21 majority of the members of the board present and voting; however, no action of the22 board shall be authorized on the following matters unless approved by a majority of23 the total board membership:24 (a) Adoption of bylaws and other rules and regulations for conduct of the25 authority's business.26 (b) Hiring or firing of any employee or contractor of the authority. This27 function may by majority vote of the total board membership be delegated by the28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 7 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. board to a specified officer or committee of the authority, under such terms and1 conditions and to the extent that the board may specify.2 (c) The incurring of debt.3 (d) Levy of taxes and call for any tax or other election.4 (e) Adoption or amendment of the annual budget.5 (f) Sale, lease, encumbrance, or alienation of real property, improvements,6 or personal property with an assessed value of more than twenty thousand dollars.7 (11) Vote by proxy shall not be permitted. Any member may request a8 recorded vote on any resolution or action of the authority.9 (12) The board shall cause minutes and a record to be kept of all its10 proceedings. Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, the authority shall be11 subject to the Public Records Law, the Open Meetings Law, and the Code of12 Governmental Ethics. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 42:14, until thirty days13 prior to the date the board is scheduled to consummate a final sale or lease of any14 immovable property owned by the authority, the board may meet in executive15 session to discuss negotiations between the authority and any prospective seller,16 purchaser, lessor, or lessee of that property. R.S. 44:31 through 35 shall not apply17 to any records related to the negotiations of or to the terms of such a sale or lease18 until thirty days prior to the date the board is scheduled to consummate a final sale19 or lease. The board shall give written public notice of its intention to consummate20 a final sale or lease at least thirty days prior to the date on which the board intends21 to take such action. This notice shall comply with the procedural provisions of R.S.22 42:19.23 H. The authority, through the board, shall have all powers necessary or24 convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this Chapter,25 including but not limited to the following:26 (1) To sue and be sued and as such to stand in judgment.27 (2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 8 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (3) To acquire by gift, grant, purchase, lease, or otherwise and to hold and1 use any property, real, personal, mixed, tangible, or intangible, or any interest therein2 and to engage in any action, such as the purchase of insurance, necessary or desirable3 for the maintenance or improvement of such property. The authority shall not have4 any power to expropriate, except that power which is granted by the appropriate5 governing authority.6 (4)(a) To sell, lease for a term of up to ninety-nine years, exchange, or7 otherwise dispose of or transfer to or with other political subdivisions of this state8 or public or private persons at public or private sale any residential, commercial,9 industrial, or subdivision land, property, improvements, or portions thereof,10 including real property.11 (b) Prior to any sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property12 pursuant to this Paragraph, the authority shall fix the price and terms of the sale,13 lease, exchange, or other contract to be made with reference to the property. Such14 sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer shall comply with the terms and15 provisions of this Chapter.16 (c) Any sale of land in an industrial area as provided by Chapter 8 of Title17 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and the statutes referenced therein shall18 be in accordance with laws providing for the disposition or transfer of such land.19 (d) Other than the requirements of this Chapter, no other law limiting or20 regulating the form or manner of the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer21 of property by public bodies, including without limitation R.S. 41:1338, shall apply22 to the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property by the authority.23 All such sales, leases, conveyance, dispositions, or transfers of property remain24 subject to the limitations imposed by the Constitution of Louisiana.25 (5) To convey to the United States, the state, or to any political subdivision26 of the state any land, property, right-of-way, easement, servitude, or other thing of27 value which the authority may own or acquire for use by such governmental entity28 pursuant to the terms of any appropriate cooperative endeavor agreement.29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 9 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (6) To make and collect reasonable charges for the use of property of the1 authority and for services rendered by the authority, and to regulate fees or rentals2 charged for use of privately owned facilities located on property owned or sold by3 the authority when such facilities are offered for use by the public or by a private4 industrial, commercial, research, or other economic development entity or activity.5 (7) To enter into contracts and agreements with public bodies or public or6 private entities, including but not limited to contracts for professional, legal, and7 other services and for the purchase, lease, acquisition, sale, construction, operation,8 maintenance, marketing, and improvement of land, public works, and facilities.9 (8) To plan, develop, regulate, operate, and maintain activities and planned10 land uses to foster creation of new jobs, economic development, industry, health11 care, general public and social welfare, commerce, manufacturing, tourism,12 relocation of people and businesses to the area, shipbuilding, aviation, military,13 warehousing, transportation, offices, recreation, housing development, and14 conservation.15 (9) To make decisions and conduct all activities to meet the triple bottom-16 line development objectives of equity, economics, and environment.17 (10) To acquire land and improvements to construct, operate, and maintain18 facilities, improvements, and infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges,19 drainage, and utilities, and to perform other functions and activities on property20 owned or leased by the authority to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the21 authority; however, the authority is prohibited from constructing, operating, or22 maintaining any water, electric, or gas utility facilities which duplicate, curtail,23 impair, or directly compete with a regulated water, electric, or gas utility facility24 operating in or adjacent to the property owned or leased by the authority.25 (11) To require and issue licenses.26 (12) To levy annually and cause to be collected ad valorem taxes if such levy27 and the amount, term, and purpose of such taxes, as set out in propositions submitted28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 10 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code, are approved by a majority1 of the qualified electors of the parish voting in an election held for that purpose.2 (13)(a) To levy and collect sales and use taxes within the boundaries of the3 authority for such purposes and at such rate as provided by the propositions4 authorizing their levy, not to exceed in aggregate one percent, if the proposition5 submitted to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code is approved by6 a majority of the qualified electors of the parish voting in an election held for that7 purpose. In submitting a sales tax proposition to a vote, the board may enter into a8 cooperative endeavor agreement with the parish governing authority providing for9 the sales tax to be divided into parts between the parish and the authority for such10 purposes and in such amounts as may be set forth in the proposition.11 (b) The tax shall be levied upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental,12 the consumption, the distribution, and storage for use or consumption of tangible13 personal property, and upon the sales of services within the parish, all as defined in14 R.S. 47:301 et seq.15 (c) Except where inapplicable, the procedure established by R.S. 47:301 et16 seq. shall be followed in the imposition, collection, and enforcement of the tax, and17 procedural details necessary to supplement those Sections and to make them18 applicable to the tax authorized by this Paragraph shall be fixed in the resolution19 imposing the tax.20 (d) The tax shall be imposed and collected uniformly throughout the parish.21 (e) Any tax levied under this Paragraph shall be in addition to all other taxes22 which the parish or any other political subdivision within the parish is now or23 hereafter authorized to levy and collect.24 (14) To develop, activate, construct, exchange, acquire, improve, repair,25 operate, maintain, lease, mortgage, sell, and grant a security device affecting the26 movable and immovable property, servitudes, facilities, and works within the parish27 under such terms and conditions as the board may deem necessary or appropriate for28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 11 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. any public purpose, including industrial, residential, subdivision, and commercial1 development.2 (15) To borrow money and to pledge or grant a security device affecting all3 or part of its revenues, leases, rents, and other advantages as security for such loans.4 (16) To appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and5 fix their compensation.6 (17) To undertake and carry out redevelopment projects and related7 activities.8 (18) To apply for and accept advances, leases, grants, contributions, and any9 other form of financial assistance from the federal government, the state, parish, or10 other public bodies, or from any source, public or private, for the purposes of this11 Chapter, and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out12 contracts or agreements in connection therewith, and to include in any contract for13 financial assistance with the federal government such conditions imposed pursuant14 to federal laws as the board may deem reasonable and appropriate and which are not15 inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter.16 (19) To make or have made all surveys and plans necessary to the carrying17 out of the purposes of this Chapter and to adopt or approve, modify, and amend such18 plans, which plans may include but are not limited to:19 (a) Plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and20 rehabilitation of buildings and improvements.21 (b) Plans for the enforcement of state and local laws, codes, and regulations22 relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements23 and to the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal of buildings and24 improvements.25 (c) Appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other plans and work26 necessary to prepare for the undertaking of redevelopment projects and related27 activities.28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 12 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (20) To develop, test, and report methods and techniques and carry out1 demonstrations and other activities for the prevention and the elimination of slums2 and urban blight, including developing and demonstrating new or improved means3 of providing housing or continuing care, assisted living, or independent living or4 other similar type housing for elderly or retired persons or other persons desiring5 such housing facilities.6 (21) To make and from time to time amend and repeal bylaws, orders, rules,7 and regulations in order to effectuate the provisions of this Chapter.8 (22) To exercise all or any part or combination of powers granted by this9 Chapter.10 (23) The authority shall not be deemed to be an instrumentality of the state11 for purposes of Article X, Section 1(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana.12 I.(1) The authority may incur debt and issue general obligation bonds under13 the authority of and subject to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the14 Constitution of Louisiana, and Subpart A of Part III of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of15 Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, for the acquisition and operation16 of authority property or to carry out the other public purposes of this Chapter, and17 to issue any other bonds permitted by law, borrow money, and issue certificates of18 indebtedness, notes, and other debt obligations as evidence thereof and provide for19 the manner and method of repayment in accordance with law.20 (2) The authority may issue revenue bonds to finance the undertaking of a21 redevelopment project under this Chapter, or otherwise to acquire, purchase, lease,22 construct, or improve housing, residential development, subdivision development,23 commercial, research, industrial, or other plant sites and buildings, or other capital24 improvements authorized in this Chapter, including energy and pollution abatement25 and control facilities and necessary property and appurtenances thereto, and may sell,26 lease, sublease, or otherwise dispose of by suitable and appropriate contract to any27 enterprise locating or existing within the jurisdiction of the authority such sites,28 buildings, or facilities and appurtenances thereto, all or severally. The funds derived29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 13 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. from the sale of such bonds may be disbursed in whole or in part upon delivery of1 the bonds as shall be provided in the contract between the authority and the2 residential, commercial, research, industrial, or other enterprise to be aided,3 encouraged, or benefitted subject to the requirements of this Chapter.4 (3) The authority may enter into, amend, or terminate, as it determines to be5 necessary or appropriate, any ancillary contracts to do either of the following:6 (a) Facilitate the issuance, sale, resale, purchase, repurchase, or payments of7 bonds, including without limitation bond insurance, letters of credit, and liquidity8 facilities.9 (b) Attempt to hedge risk or achieve a desirable effective interest rate or cash10 flow, all subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission.11 (4) Bonds issued under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection shall be authorized12 by resolution of the board and shall be limited obligations of the authority; the13 principal and interest, costs of issuance, and other costs incidental thereto shall be14 payable solely from the income and revenue derived from the sale, lease, or other15 disposition of the project or facility to be financed by the bonds issued under this16 Subsection, or from the income and revenue derived from the sale, lease, or other17 disposition of any existing project or facility acquired, constructed, and improved18 under the provision of this Subsection, or from any source available for such19 purpose; however, in the discretion of the authority, the bonds may be additionally20 secured by mortgage or other security device covering all or part of the project from21 which the revenues so pledged may be derived. Any refunding bonds issued22 pursuant to this Subsection shall be payable from any source described in this23 Paragraph or from the investment of any of the proceeds of the refunding bonds24 authorized under this Subsection and shall not constitute an indebtedness or pledge25 of the general credit of the parish, as appropriate, or the authority within the meaning26 of any constitutional or statutory limitation of indebtedness and shall contain a recital27 to that effect. Bonds of the authority issued under this Subsection shall be issued in28 such form, shall be in such denominations, shall bear interest, shall mature in such29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 14 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. manner, and be executed by one or more members of the board as provided in the1 resolution authorizing the issuance thereof. Such bonds may be subject to2 redemption at the option of and in the manner determined by the board in the3 resolution authorizing the issuance thereof.4 (5) No bonds or other evidences of indebtedness may be issued under this5 Subsection without the prior approval of the State Bond Commission of the terms6 and provisions thereof.7 (6) Bonds issued under this Subsection shall be issued, sold, and delivered8 in accordance with the terms and provisions of a resolution adopted by the board.9 The board may sell such bonds in such manner, either at public or at private sale, and10 for such price as it may determine to be in the best interests of the authority, subject11 to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The resolution issuing bonds shall12 be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the13 authority, and for a period of thirty days after said publication, any interested citizen14 may bring an action to contest the bonds and the security therefor, as provided in the15 Constitution of Louisiana. If, after the expiration of thirty days, no suit has been16 filed, the issuance, sale, and security of the bonds shall be incontestable, and no court17 shall have authority to entertain any action questioning or contesting such matters.18 (7) Bonds issued by the authority under this Chapter are deemed to be19 securities of public entities within the meaning of Chapters 13 and 13-A of Title 3920 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and shall be subject to defeasance in21 accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised22 Statutes of 1950, shall be subject to the refunding provisions of Chapter 14-A of23 Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and may also be issued as short-24 term revenue notes of a public entity under Chapter 15-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana25 Revised Statutes of 1950.26 (8) No bonds, other debt obligations, or contracts of the authority shall be a27 charge upon the income, property, or revenue of the parish, nor shall any obligations28 of the authority be the obligations of the parish.29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 15 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (9) Any bonds issued by the authority shall be subject to Part XVI of Chapter1 32 of Title 13 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 (R.S. 13:5121 through2 5130), pursuant to which the issuance of the bonds may be submitted to the courts3 for validation.4 J.(1) The exercise by the board of the powers conferred by this Chapter shall5 be deemed and held to be an essential governmental function of the state and parish.6 As the exercise of the powers granted by this Chapter will be in all respects for the7 benefit of the people of the state and parish, for the increase of their commerce and8 prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, the9 authority shall not be required to pay any taxes, including but not limited to sales and10 use taxes, ad valorem, occupational licensing, income, or any other taxes of any kind11 or nature, or fees or assessments upon any property held, acquired, or used by the12 authority under the provisions of this Chapter, or upon the income therefrom. Any13 bonds, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the authority and the14 income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state and by any parish,15 municipality, or other political subdivision of the state. The authority is deemed not16 to be a public utility and shall not be subject in any respect to the authority, control,17 regulation, or supervision of the Louisiana Public Service Commission.18 (2) All property of the authority, including funds owned or held by it for the19 purpose of this Chapter, shall be exempt from levy and sale by virtue of an20 execution, and no execution or other judicial process shall issue against the same, nor21 shall judgment against the parish or authority be a charge or lien upon such property;22 however, the provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply to or limit the right of23 obligees to pursue any remedies for the enforcement of any pledge or lien given24 pursuant to this Chapter by the authority on its rents, fees, grants, or revenues.25 K.(1) The authority may purchase adjudicated properties within its territorial26 jurisdiction from any political subdivision of the state of Louisiana. No such27 purchase shall be construed to or otherwise have the effect of extending or28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 16 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. suspending the period prescribed by law for the redemption of the property by the1 tax debtor or any other person.2 (2) In addition to the authority set forth in Subpart B of Part IV of Chapter3 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, such purchases4 by the authority may be by a direct negotiated purchase and sale agreement between5 the authority and a political subdivision without any other requirement of a public6 sale prior to the transfer of such properties to the authority. Such purchases by the7 authority shall not be considered the sale of surplus property or of property owned8 by the political subdivision.9 (3) Effective upon the recordation of the transfer of an adjudicated property10 to the authority pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement, the rights of the authority11 in and to such property shall be the rights of a purchaser at a tax sale as contemplated12 by Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,13 subject only to the rights of redemption of the property set forth in Article VII,14 Section 25(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, and the property shall no longer be15 deemed to be adjudicated property as of such recordation. For purposes of the right16 of redemption in Article VII, Section 25(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, the17 three-year period commences on the date of the recordation of the initial adjudication18 to the political subdivision and not on the date of transfer to the authority.19 (4) Any such purchase and sale agreement shall set forth the total20 consideration to be paid by the authority and the method and timing of payment of21 such consideration by the authority.22 (5) The state and any political subdivision with liens on the property may,23 pursuant to intergovernmental agreements with the authority, cancel such liens24 contemporaneously with or subject to the transfer of the property to the authority.25 (6)(a) The authority shall have the right, subject to the provisions of this26 Section, to purchase properties at tax sales conducted in accordance with R.S.27 47:2155 and 2156, and any and all such purchases shall be a purchase pursuant to28 R.S. 47:2155 and 2156 and not an adjudication to a political subdivision.29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 17 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (b) A bid by the authority at a tax sale for the minimum amount shall take1 priority over all other bids for the same quantity of property, except for a higher bid2 submitted by a conventional mortgage holder holding a mortgage on the subject3 property.4 (7) The authority shall submit annual reports to the House Committee on5 Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs and the Senate Committee on Local and6 Municipal Affairs and each member of the Iberia Parish legislative delegation7 concerning property purchased by the authority. Such report shall be filed by March8 first each year and shall cover the previous calendar year. Each report shall include:9 (a) The legal description or other indication of the location of each property10 purchased.11 (b) The amount paid for each property.12 (c) The minimum bid that was set for the property and the appraised value13 of the property.14 (d) A general description of the authority's plans for the property and how15 such plans advance the purposes for which the authority is created.16 L.(1) The authority shall have the power to create and execute17 redevelopment or development plans for specified areas within its territorial18 jurisdiction. The implementation of all such plans shall not proceed until, to the19 extent required by law, the authority has obtained the approval of the local planning20 commission or zoning board. In the execution of such a redevelopment plan, the21 authority shall have the powers provided in this Subsection. The fact that a certain22 power is expressed or implied in this Paragraph as pertinent to the authority's23 execution of a redevelopment plan shall not suggest or imply that such power is24 otherwise denied to the authority.25 (2) A redevelopment plan shall include a definition of the redevelopment26 area. This area, or any part thereof, may be further designated as a subdistrict of the27 authority.28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 18 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (3) The authority may sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise transfer immovable1 property or any interest therein acquired by it for residential, recreational,2 commercial, industrial, or other uses or for public use, subject to such covenants,3 conditions, and restrictions, including covenants running with the land, as it may4 deem to be necessary or desirable to assist in carrying out the purposes of this5 Chapter. The purchasers or lessees and their successors and assigns shall be6 obligated to devote such immovable property only to the uses as the authority may7 determine to be in the public interest, including the obligation to begin within a8 reasonable time any improvements on such immovable property. Such immovable9 property or interest shall be sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise transferred at not10 less than its fair market value for uses in accordance with the redevelopment or11 development plan. In determining the fair market value of immovable property for12 uses in accordance with a redevelopment or development plan, the authority shall13 take into account and give consideration to the use provided in such plan, the14 restrictions upon and the covenants, conditions, and obligations assumed by the15 purchaser or lessee, and the objectives of such plan. The authority, in any instrument16 of conveyance to a private purchaser or lessee, may provide that such purchaser or17 lessee shall be without power to sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise transfer the18 immovable property without the prior written consent of the authority until such19 purchaser or lessee has completed the construction of any and all improvements20 which he has obligated himself to construct thereon. Immovable property acquired21 in accordance with the provisions of a plan shall be transferred as rapidly as feasible22 in the public interest, consistent with the carrying out of the provisions of the project23 plan. Such plan and any substantial modification of such plan shall be filed as a24 public record in the office of the clerk of the parish, and any conveyances,25 encumbrances, or other contracts may incorporate the provisions thereof by reference26 which shall afford notice thereof to all parties.27 (4) The authority may dispose of, sell, exchange, or lease immovable28 property in a redevelopment area to any private person for the fair market value of29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 19 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. the property as determined by a certified and competent appraiser, or to any private1 person pursuant to reasonable competitive bidding procedures as it shall prescribe2 subject to the provisions set forth in this Paragraph. Such reasonable bidding3 procedures must include public notice, by publication once each week for two4 consecutive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation in the district,5 inviting proposals from and making available all pertinent information to private6 redevelopers or any persons interested in undertaking to redevelop or rehabilitate a7 redevelopment area or any part thereof. Such notice shall identify the area, or8 portion thereof, and shall state that proposals shall be made in writing by those in9 interest within thirty days after publication of such notice, and that such further10 information as is available may be obtained at such office as shall be designated in11 the notice. The board shall consider all such redevelopment or rehabilitation12 proposals and the financial and legal ability of the persons making such proposals13 to carry them out, and may negotiate with any persons for proposals for the purchase,14 lease, or other transfer of any immovable property acquired by the authority in the15 redevelopment area. The board may accept such proposal as it deems to be in the16 public interest and in furtherance of the purposes of this Chapter. Such notice, and17 all contracts to sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise transfer immovable property under18 the provisions of this Chapter, shall be a public record and shall include the name of19 the redeveloper or purchaser, together with the names of its officers and principal20 members or shareholders and investors and other interested parties, the redeveloper's21 estimate of the cost of any residential development and rehabilitations, and the22 redeveloper's estimate of rentals and sales prices of any proposed housing involved23 in such redevelopment and rehabilitation. Thereafter, the board may execute such24 contract in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and deliver acts of sale,25 leases, and other instruments and take all steps necessary to effectuate such contract.26 (5) The authority may temporarily operate, maintain, or lease real property27 acquired by it in a redevelopment area for or in connection with a redevelopment28 project pending disposition of the property as authorized in this Chapter for such29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 20 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. uses and purposes as may be deemed desirable even though not in connection with1 the redevelopment plan.2 (6) Any real property within a redevelopment area acquired pursuant to3 Subsection K of this Section may be disposed of without regard to the other4 provisions of this Chapter. Real property acquired in accordance with the5 redevelopment plan may be disposed of to a public body for public reuse without6 regard to the provisions of this Subsection.7 (7) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter where an area in8 the parish is designated as a redevelopment area under the federal Area9 Redevelopment Act (Public Law 87-27), or any act supplementary thereto, land in10 a redevelopment project area designated under the redevelopment plan for industrial11 or commercial uses may be disposed of to any public body or nonprofit corporation12 for subsequent disposition as promptly as practicable by the public body or13 corporation for redevelopment in accordance with the redevelopment plan, and only14 the purchaser from or lessee of the public body or corporation, and his assignees,15 shall be required to assume the obligation of beginning the building of improvements16 within a reasonable time. Any disposition of land to a public body or corporation17 under this Paragraph shall be at its fair market value for uses in accordance with the18 redevelopment plan.19 M.(1) The authority may, in the implementation of a redevelopment plan,20 create one or more subdistricts to conduct, oversee, or assist in the implementation21 of such redevelopment plan. The boundaries of such a subdistrict may include all22 or part of the redevelopment area. Such a subdistrict shall have and exercise such23 powers and responsibilities as the authority shall specify in the enabling resolution.24 The full extent of such powers and responsibilities may include such powers as the25 authority itself may exercise, and such other powers as are given to the subdistrict26 by this Paragraph or any other law, but any exercise of such powers by the subdistrict27 shall be confined solely to the geographical limits of the subdistrict. Such a28 subdistrict may be established to exist at the pleasure of the authority, or for any29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 21 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. period of time, or until the happening of any occurrence or occurrences that the1 authority may specify.2 (2) The creation of a subdistrict shall in no instance result in the detachment,3 severance, or loss of any power or responsibility granted to the authority by this4 Chapter, and within the confines of any subdistrict, the authority shall have full5 jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the subdistrict, to exercise said powers and6 responsibilities. The fact that a certain power is expressed or implied as pertinent to7 a subdistrict's conduct, overseeing, or assistance in the implementation of the8 redevelopment plan shall not suggest or imply that such power is otherwise denied9 to the authority; however, the authority and its subdistricts shall not collectively have10 any greater power to tax than that granted to the authority alone.11 (3) Unless otherwise specified in the resolution or other formal act creating12 the subdistrict, the board members of the authority shall constitute the governing13 authority of the subdistrict.14 (4) Unless otherwise specified in the resolution or other formal act creating15 the subdistrict, the subdistrict shall be a distinct and separate juridical entity, and the16 rights, interests, and liabilities of the subdistrict shall not under any circumstances17 be considered those of the authority.18 (5)(a) In addition to the other powers it may be granted, a subdistrict may,19 within its geographical boundaries, utilize tax increment financing, issue revenue20 bonds, and exercise powers that an economic development district created by a local21 governmental subdivision pursuant to R.S. 33:9038.32 is authorized to exercise;22 however, the subdistrict shall remain subject to all limitations and reservations23 applicable to the powers of the authority.24 (b) Prior to the dedication of any state sales tax increments to be used for an25 authorized purpose of a subdistrict, the secretary of the Department of Economic26 Development shall submit the proposal to the Joint Legislative Committee on the27 Budget for approval. The submittal shall also include a written evaluation and28 determination by the department, with input from and certification by the29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 22 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Department of Revenue, of the anticipated increase in state sales tax revenues to be1 collected within the state over state sales tax revenues that were collected within the2 state in the year immediately prior to the year in which the proposal is submitted to3 the committee that would be a direct result of the proposal. In addition, any4 cooperative endeavor agreement or other agreement providing for the expenditure5 of funds collected by the state as state sales tax increments and dedicated to a project6 or for the payment of revenue bonds therefor shall be subject to approval by the State7 Bond Commission prior to execution by the state.8 N. All banks, trust companies, bankers, savings banks and institutions,9 building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, investment companies,10 and other persons carrying on a banking or investment business; all insurance11 companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on an insurance12 business; and all executors, administrators, curators, trustees, and other fiduciaries13 may legally invest any sinking funds, monies, or other funds belonging to them or14 within their control in any bonds or other obligations issued by the authority pursuant15 to this Chapter. Bonds and other obligations shall be authorized security for all16 public deposits. It is the purpose of this Subsection to authorize public or private17 persons, political subdivisions, and officers, public or private, to use any funds18 owned or controlled by them for the purchase of any bonds or other obligations of19 the authority. Nothing contained in this Subsection with regard to legal investments20 shall be construed as relieving any person of any duty to exercise reasonable care in21 selecting securities.22 O. For the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of23 a redevelopment or development project and related activities authorized by this24 Chapter, any public body may, upon such terms, with or without consideration as it25 may determine:26 (1) Dedicate, sell, convey, or lease any of its interest in any property or grant27 easements, licenses, or other rights or privileges therein to the authority.28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 23 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2) Incur the entire expense of any public improvement made by such public1 body.2 (3) Do any and all things necessary to aid or cooperate in the planning or3 carrying out of a redevelopment plan and related activities.4 (4) Lend, grant, or contribute funds to the authority in accordance with an5 appropriate cooperative endeavor agreement and borrow money and apply for and6 accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial7 assistance from the federal government, the state, parish, or other public body, or8 from any other source.9 (5) Enter into agreements which may extend over any period,10 notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary, with the federal11 government or other public body respecting action to be taken pursuant to any of the12 powers granted by this Chapter, including the furnishing of funds or other assistance13 in connection with a redevelopment project and related activities.14 (6) Cause public buildings and public facilities, including parks,15 playgrounds, recreational, community, educational, water, sewer, or drainage16 facilities, or any other works which it is otherwise empowered to undertake to be17 furnished; furnish, dedicate, close, vacate, pave, install, grade, regrade, plan, or18 replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places; plan or replan, zone or rezone,19 or make exceptions from building regulations.20 P. Any instrument executed, in proper form and with proper certification of21 authority, by the authority purporting to convey any right, title, or interest in any22 property under this Chapter shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed23 in compliance with provisions of this Chapter insofar as title or other interest of any24 bona fide purchasers, lessees, or transferees of the property is concerned.25 Q. Insofar as the provisions of this Chapter are inconsistent with the26 provisions of any other law, the provisions of this Chapter shall be controlling;27 however, the authority shall be subject to the provisions of the Local Government28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 24 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Fair Competition Act, R.S. 45:844.41 et seq. The authority conferred by this Chapter1 shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.2 R.(1) In addition to other powers granted to the authority by this Chapter, the3 authority may initiate an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action under this4 Subsection to quiet title to immovable property held by the authority, interests in5 property purchased by the authority at tax sales, or in formerly adjudicated properties6 acquired by the authority from a political subdivision by recording with the7 conveyance records of the clerk of court and ex officio recorder of mortgages a8 notice of pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action. The notice shall9 include a legal description of the property; the street address of the property if10 available; the name, address, and telephone number of the authority; a statement that11 the property is subject to expedited quiet title proceedings and foreclosure under this12 Subsection; and a statement that any legal interest in the property may be13 extinguished by a district court order vesting title to the property in the authority.14 The right of redemption from tax sales in Article VII, Section 25(B) of the15 Constitution of Louisiana shall be terminated by these proceedings only if the time16 period for expiration of the right of redemption has expired. If a notice is recorded17 in error, the authority may correct the error by recording a certificate of correction18 with the register of conveyances. A notice or certificate under this Subsection need19 not be notarized and may be authenticated by a digital signature or other electronic20 means. If the authority has reason to believe that a property subject to an expedited21 quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection may be the site of22 environmental contamination, the authority shall provide the Department of23 Environmental Quality with any information in its possession that suggests the24 property may be the site of environmental contamination.25 (2) After recording the notice under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the26 authority shall initiate a search of records identified in this Paragraph to identify the27 owners of a property interest in the property who are entitled to notice of the quiet28 title and foreclosure action under this Subsection. The authority may enter into a29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 25 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. contract with or may request from one or more authorized representatives a title1 search or other title product to identify the owners of a property interest in the2 property as required under this Paragraph or to perform the other functions set forth3 in this Subsection required for quieting the title to property. The owner of a property4 interest is entitled to notice under this Subsection if that owner's interest is5 identifiable by reference to any of the following sources before the date that the6 authority records the notice under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection:7 (a) Land title records in the office of the recorder of mortgages and the8 register of conveyances.9 (b) Tax records in the office of the assessor.10 (3) The authority may file a single petition with the district court to expedite11 foreclosure under this Subsection listing all property subject to expedited foreclosure12 by the authority and for which the authority seeks to quiet title. The list of properties13 shall include all of the following that are available to the authority: a legal14 description of, a tax parcel identification number for, and the street address of each15 parcel of property. The petition shall seek a judgment in favor of the authority16 against each property listed and shall include a date, within ninety days of filing, on17 which the authority requests a hearing on the petition. The petition shall request that18 a judgment be entered vesting absolute title in the authority, without right of19 redemption for each parcel of property listed, as provided in this Paragraph. Prior20 to the entry of judgment, the authority may request the court to remove property21 erroneously included in the petition and any tax delinquent property redeemed prior22 to the hearing.23 (4) The district court in which a petition is filed under Paragraph (3) of this24 Subsection shall immediately set the date, time, and place for a hearing on the25 petition for foreclosure. The date shall be set by the court and shall not be more than26 ten days after the date requested by the authority in the petition. In no event may the27 court schedule the hearing later than ninety days after the filing of a petition by the28 authority under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection.29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 26 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (5) After completing the records search under Paragraph (2) of this1 Subsection, the authority shall determine the address or addresses reasonably2 calculated to inform those owners of a property interest in property subject to3 expedited foreclosure of the pendency of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under4 Paragraph (11) of this Subsection. If, after conducting the title search, the authority5 is unable to determine an address reasonably calculated to inform persons with a6 property interest in property subject to expedited foreclosure, or if the authority7 discovers a deficiency in notice under this Subsection, the following shall be8 considered reasonable steps by the authority to ascertain the addresses of persons9 with a property interest in the property subject to expedited foreclosure or to10 ascertain an address necessary to correct a deficiency in notice under this Subsection:11 (a) For an individual, a search of records of the recorder of mortgages and12 the register of conveyances.13 (b) For a business entity, a search of business entity records filed with the14 commercial division of the Department of State.15 (c) For a state or federal chartered depository financial institution, a search16 of entity records filed with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions or with the17 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).18 (6) Not less than thirty days before the quiet title and foreclosure hearing19 under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the authority shall send notice by certified20 mail, return receipt requested, of the hearing to the persons identified under21 Paragraph (2) of this Subsection who have a property interest in property subject to22 expedited foreclosure. The authority shall also send a notice via regular mail23 addressed to the "Occupant" for each property subject to expedited foreclosure if an24 address for the property is ascertainable.25 (7) Not less than thirty days before the quiet title and foreclosure hearing, the26 authority or its authorized representative or authorized agent shall visit each parcel27 of property subject to expedited foreclosure and post on the property conspicuous28 notice of the hearing. In addition to the requirements of Paragraph (8) of this29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 27 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Subsection, the notice shall also include the following statement: "This Property has1 been transferred to the Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority and is subject to2 an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action. Persons with information regarding3 the prior owner of the property are requested to contact the Lafayette Parish4 Redevelopment Authority."5 (8) The notices required under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection shall6 include:7 (a) The date on which the authority recorded, under Paragraph (1) of this8 Subsection, notice of the pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action.9 (b) A statement that a person with a property interest in the property may10 lose his interest as a result of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph11 (11) of this Subsection.12 (c) A legal description, parcel number of the property, and the street address13 of the property, if available.14 (d) The person to whom the notice is addressed.15 (e) The date and time of the hearing on the petition for foreclosure and a16 statement that the judgment of the court may result in title to the property vesting in17 the authority.18 (f) An explanation of any rights of redemption and notice that the judgment19 of the court may extinguish any ownership interest in or right to redeem the property.20 (g) The name, address, and telephone number of the authority.21 (h) A statement that persons with information regarding the owner or prior22 owner of any of the properties are requested to contact the authority.23 (9) If the authority is unable to ascertain the address reasonably calculated24 to inform the owners of a property interest entitled to notice under this Section, or25 is unable to provide notice under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection, the26 authority shall provide notice by publication. Prior to the hearing, a notice shall be27 published for three successive weeks, once each week, in a newspaper published and28 circulated in the parish. The published notice shall include all of the following:29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 28 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (a) A legal description, parcel number of the property, and the street address1 of the property, if available.2 (b) The name of any person not notified under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this3 Subsection that the authority reasonably believes may be entitled to notice of the4 quiet title and foreclosure hearing.5 (c) A statement that a person with a property interest in the property may6 lose his interest as a result of the foreclosure proceeding.7 (d) The date and time of the hearing on the petition for foreclosure.8 (e) A statement that the judgment of the court may result in title to the9 property vesting in the authority.10 (f) An explanation of any rights of redemption and notice that judgment of11 the court may extinguish any ownership interest in or right to redeem the property.12 (g) The name, address, and telephone number of the authority.13 (h) A statement that persons with information regarding the owner or prior14 owner of any of the properties are requested to contact the authority.15 (10) If prior to the quiet title and foreclosure hearing the authority discovers16 any deficiency in the provision of notice under this Subsection, the authority shall17 take reasonable steps in good faith to correct the deficiency before the hearing. The18 provisions of this Subsection relating to notice of the quiet title and foreclosure19 hearing are exclusive and exhaustive. Other requirements relating to notice and20 proof of service under other law, rule, or other legal requirement are not applicable21 to notice or proof of service under this Subsection.22 (11) If a petition for expedited quiet title and foreclosure is filed under23 Paragraph (3) of this Subsection, before the hearing, the authority shall file with the24 clerk of the district court proof of notice by certified mail under Paragraph (6) of this25 Subsection, proof of notice by posting on the property under Paragraph (7) of this26 Subsection, and proof of notice by publication, if applicable. A person claiming an27 interest in a parcel of property set forth in the petition for foreclosure, including a28 current holder of a conventional mortgage, who desires to contest that petition shall29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 29 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. file written objections with the clerk of the district court and serve those objections1 on the authority before the date of the hearing. The district court may appoint and2 utilize, as the court considers necessary, a curator for assistance with the resolution3 of any objections to the foreclosure or questions regarding the title to property4 subject to foreclosure. If the court withholds property from foreclosure, the5 authority's ability to include the property in a subsequent petition for expedited quiet6 title and foreclosure is not prejudiced. No injunction shall issue to stay an expedited7 quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection. The district court shall enter8 judgment on a petition to quiet title and foreclosure filed under this Subsection not9 more than ten days after the conclusion of the hearing or contested case, and the10 judgment shall become effective ten days after the conclusion of the hearing or11 contested case. The district court's judgment shall specify all of the following:12 (a) The legal description and, if known, the street address of the property13 foreclosed.14 (b) That title to property foreclosed by the judgment is vested absolutely in15 the authority, except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, without any further16 rights of redemption.17 (c) That all liens against the property, including any lien for unpaid taxes or18 special assessments, are extinguished.19 (d) That, except as otherwise provided in Subparagraph (e) of this Paragraph,20 the authority has good and marketable title to the property.21 (e) That all existing recorded and unrecorded interests in that property are22 extinguished, except a visible or recorded easement or right-of-way or private deed23 restrictions.24 (f) A finding that all persons entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard25 have been provided that notice and opportunity. A person shall be deemed to have26 been provided notice and an opportunity to be heard if the authority followed the27 procedures for provision of notice by mail, by visits to property subject to expedited28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 30 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. quiet title and foreclosure, and by publication under this Subsection, or if one or1 more of the following apply:2 (i) The person had constructive notice of the hearing by acquiring an interest3 in the property after the date of the recording, under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection,4 of the notice of pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action.5 (ii) The person appeared at the hearing or submitted written objections to the6 district court under this Subsection prior to the hearing.7 (iii) Prior to the hearing, the person had actual notice of the hearing.8 (12) Except as otherwise provided in Subparagraph (11)(e) of this9 Subsection, title to property set forth in a petition for foreclosure filed under10 Paragraph (3) of this Subsection shall vest absolutely in the authority upon the11 effective date of the judgment by the district court, and the authority shall have12 absolute title to the property. The authority's title shall not be subject to any13 recorded or unrecorded lien, except as provided in Paragraph (11) of this Subsection,14 and shall not be stayed or held invalid, except as provided in Paragraph (13) of this15 Subsection. A judgment entered under this Subsection is a final order with respect16 to the property affected by the judgment and shall not be modified, stayed, or held17 invalid after the effective date of the judgment, except as provided in Paragraph (13)18 of this Subsection.19 (13) The authority or a person claiming to have a property interest in20 property foreclosed under this Subsection may, within twenty-on e days of the21 effective date of the judgment under this Subsection, appeal the district court's order22 or the district court's judgment foreclosing property to the court of appeals. The23 appeal of the judgment shall be entitled to preference and priority and shall be24 handled on an expedited basis by the court of appeal and, if applicable, the Louisiana25 Supreme Court. In such cases, the record shall be prepared and filed within fifteen26 days of the granting of the order of appeal. The court of appeal shall hear the case27 within thirty days after the filing of the appellee's brief. An appeal under this28 Paragraph is limited to the record of the proceedings in the district court under this29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 31 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Subsection. The district court's judgment foreclosing property shall be stayed until1 the court of appeals has reversed, modified, or affirmed that judgment. If an appeal2 under this Paragraph stays the district court's judgment foreclosing property, the3 district court's judgment is stayed only as to the property that is the subject of that4 appeal, and the district court's judgment foreclosing other property that is not the5 subject of that appeal is not stayed. To appeal the district court's judgment6 foreclosing property, a person appealing the judgment shall pay to the authority any7 taxes, interest, penalties, and fees due on the property and provide notice of the8 appeal to the authority within twenty-one days after the district court's judgment9 becomes effective. If the district court's judgment foreclosing the property is10 affirmed on appeal, the amount determined to be due shall be refunded to the person11 who appealed the judgment. If the district court's judgment foreclosing the property12 is reversed or modified on appeal, the authority shall refund the amount determined13 to be due to the person who appealed the judgment, if any, and forward the balance14 to the appropriate taxing jurisdictions in accordance with the order of the court of15 appeals.16 (14) The authority shall record a notice of judgment for each parcel of17 foreclosed property in the office of the register of conveyances. If the authority18 records a notice of judgment in error, the authority shall subsequently record a19 certificate of correction. A notice or certificate under this Paragraph need not be20 notarized and may be authenticated by a digital signature or other electronic means.21 After the entry of a judgment foreclosing the property under this Subsection, if the22 property has not been transferred by the authority, the authority shall cancel the23 foreclosure by recording with the register of conveyances a certificate of error, if the24 authority discovers any of the following:25 (a) The description of the property used in the expedited quiet title and26 foreclosure proceeding was so indefinite or erroneous that the foreclosure of the27 property was void.28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 32 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (b) An owner of an interest in the property entitled to notice of the expedited1 quiet title and proceedings against the property under this Subsection was not2 provided notice sufficient to satisfy the minimum due process requirements of the3 Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States.4 (c) A judgment of foreclosure was entered under this Subsection in violation5 of a stay in a bankruptcy proceeding.6 (15) If a judgment of foreclosure is entered under this Subsection and all7 existing recorded and unrecorded interests in a parcel of property are extinguished8 as provided in this Subsection, the owner of any extinguished recorded or unrecorded9 interest in that property who claims that he did not receive notice of the expedited10 quiet title and foreclosure action shall not bring an action for possession of the11 property against any subsequent owner but may bring an action only to recover12 monetary damages from the authority as provided in this Paragraph. The district13 court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in any action to recover monetary14 damages under this Paragraph. An action to recover monetary damages under this15 Paragraph shall not be brought more than two years after a judgment for foreclosure16 is entered under this Subsection. Any monetary damages recoverable under this17 Paragraph shall be determined as of the date a judgment for foreclosure is entered18 under this Subsection and shall not exceed the fair market value of the interest in the19 property held by the person bringing the action on that date, less any taxes, interest,20 penalties, and fees owed on the property as of that date. The right to sue for21 monetary damages under this Paragraph shall not be transferable except by testate22 or intestate succession.23 (16) The owner of a property interest with notice of the quiet title and24 foreclosure hearing may not assert any of the following:25 (a) That notice to the owner was insufficient or inadequate in any way26 because some other owner of a property interest in the property was not notified.27 (b) That any right to redeem tax reverted property was extended in any way28 because some other person was not notified.29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 33 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (17) A person holding or formerly holding an interest in tax reverted1 property subject to expedited foreclosure under this Subsection is barred from2 questioning the validity of the expedited foreclosure under this Subsection.3 (18) The failure of the authority to comply with any provision of this4 Subsection shall not invalidate any proceeding under this Subsection if a person with5 a property interest in property subject to foreclosure was accorded the minimum due6 process required under the Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the7 United States.8 (19) It is the intent of the legislature that the provisions of this Subsection9 relating to the expedited quiet title and foreclosure of property by the authority10 satisfy the minimum requirements of due process required under the Constitution of11 Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States but that the provisions do not12 create new rights beyond those required under the Constitution of Louisiana or the13 Constitution of the United States. The failure of the authority to follow a14 requirement of this Section relating to the expedited quiet title and foreclosure of15 property held by the authority shall not be construed to create a claim or cause of16 action against the authority unless the minimum requirements of due process17 accorded under the Constitution of Louisiana or the Constitution of the United States18 are violated.19 (20) As used in this Subsection, "authorized representative" includes one or20 more of the following:21 (a) A title insurance company or agent licensed to conduct business in this22 state.23 (b) An attorney licensed to practice law in this state.24 (c) A person accredited in land title search procedures by a nationally25 recognized organization in the field of land title searching.26 (d) A person with demonstrated experience in the field of searching land title27 records, as determined by the authority.28 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 34 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (21) As used in this Subsection, "district court" shall mean the Sixteenth1 Judicial District Court.2 S. As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning3 ascribed to them in this Subsection:4 (1) "Bonds" means any bonds, notes, interim certificates, certificates of5 indebtedness, debentures, or other obligations.6 (2) "Federal government" means any department, agency, or instrumentality,7 corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.8 (3) "Owners of a property interest" means anyone with an interest in9 immovable property filed for record in the conveyance records or mortgage records10 of the clerk of court and ex officio recorder of mortgages for the parish of Lafayette11 where the property is located, including a naked owner, a usufructuary, a mortgagee,12 a judgment creditor, or a holder of a personal or predial servitude.13 (4) "Public body" means the state and any parish and any board, authority,14 agency, district, subdivision, department, or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise,15 of the state or any parish.16 (5) "Real property" or "immovable property" means any and all right, title,17 and interest in a tract of land, including its component parts and liens.18 Section 2. R.S. 44:4.1(B)(18) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:19 ยง4.1. Exceptions20 * * *21 B. The legislature further recognizes that there exist exceptions, exemptions,22 and limitations to the laws pertaining to public records throughout the revised23 statutes and codes of this state. Therefore, the following exceptions, exemptions, and24 limitations are hereby continued in effect by incorporation into this Chapter by25 citation:26 * * *27 (18) R.S. 33:1334, 2182, 2428, 4720.151, 4720.201, 4891, 9109, 9128, 961428 * * *29 HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 35 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Section 3. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not1 signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature2 by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If3 vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become4 effective on the day following such approval.5 DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] Robideaux HB No. 531 Abstract: Creates the Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority to provide for the utilization of appropriate private and public resources to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of blighted and distressed areas. Defines the duties, liabilities, authority, and functions of such redevelopment authority, including the power to levy ad valorem taxes and sales and use taxes. Proposed law creates and provides for the Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority to provide for the utilization of appropriate private and public resources to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of slum, blighted, and distressed areas. Provides that the authority is a special district and political subdivision of the state. Provides that the authority shall be comprised of the territory in the Lafayette Parish, including the territory comprising the municipalities of Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, and Youngsville. Authorizes the governing authority of each municipality to opt out of being included within the territorial boundaries of the district. Provides that the authority shall be activated and implemented by the parish governing authority recognizing and confirming the appointment of the initial five members of the board. Proposed law provides that the Lafayette Parish Redevelopment Authority shall be governed by a five-member board of commissioners, referred to as the "board" in proposed law, appointed as follows: (1)One member appointed by the city-parish president of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government. (2)One member appointed by the governing authority of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government. (3)One member appointed by the member(s) who represent House District No. 44. (4)One member appointed by the member(s) who represent Senate District No. 24. (5)One member appointed by the governing board of the Community Foundation of Acadiana. Proposed law requires that all appointments be confirmed by the governing authority of Lafayette Parish. Requires the appointing authority to present its initial appointees to the governing authority no later than Dec. 31, 2011. Provides that the governing authority shall have the right to confirm or reject the appointment. Provides that such confirmation or rejection shall be made in the manner and under the procedure prescribed by the governing HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 36 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. authority. Provides that if the governing authority does not reject the appointment within 60 days after the presentation, then the appointment shall be deemed confirmed. Proposed law requires that each board member be a citizen of the U.S., a domiciliary of and a qualified voter in Lafayette Parish for at least one year preceding the date of appointment, and shall remain a domiciliary of and a qualified voter of such jurisdiction during the entirety of the term of office. Additionally requires that each board member be of good character and possess some skill, knowledge, or experience that will prove useful in the accomplishment of the goals of the authority. Proposed law provides that each board member shall serve for a term of four years, unless and until removed for cause by the board or removed for any reason by authorized action of the appointing authority. Proposed law requires members of the board to serve without compensation, but authorizes the board to reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred in the performance of duties on behalf of the authority. Proposed law provides that all actions of the board shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting. Provides however, that no action of the board shall be authorized on the following matters unless approved by a majority of the total board membership: (1)Adoption of bylaws and other rules and regulations for conduct of the authority's business. (2)Hiring or firing of any employee or contractor of the authority. Provides that this function may by majority vote be delegated by the board to a specified officer or committee of the authority, under such terms and conditions, and to the extent, that the board may specify. (3)The incurring of debt. (4)Levy of taxes and call for any tax or other election. (5)Adoption or amendment of the annual budget. (6)Sale, lease, encumbrance, or alienation of real property, improvements, or personal property with an assessed value of more than $20,000. Proposed law provides that the authority, through the board, shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out its objectives and purposes, including but not limited to the following: (1)To sue and be sued and as such to stand in judgment. (2)To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal. (3)To acquire, hold, and use any property. Provides that the authority shall not have any power to expropriate, except that power which is granted by the appropriate governing authority. (4)To convey to the U.S., the state, or to any political subdivision of the state any property or other thing of value for use by the governmental entity to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority, pursuant to the terms of any appropriate cooperative endeavor agreement. HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 37 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (5)To make and collect reasonable charges for the use of property of the authority and for services rendered by the authority and to regulate fees or rentals charged for use of privately owned facilities located on property owned or sold by the authority when such facilities are offered for use by the public or by a private industrial, commercial, research, or other economic development entity or activity. (6)To require and issue licenses. (7)To levy annually an ad valorem tax and sales and use tax subject to voter approval. (8)To borrow money and to pledge or grant a security device affecting all or part of its revenues, leases, rents, and other advantages as security for such loans. (9)To appoint officers, agents, and employe es, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation. Proposed law provides that the authority shall not be deemed to be an instrumentality of the state for purposes of the state civil service provisions of the state constitution. Proposed law authorizes the authority to incur debt and issue general obligation bonds under the authority of and subject to the provisions of state law for the acquisition and operation of authority property. Additionally authorizes the authority to issue any other bonds permitted by law, borrow money, and issue certificates of indebtedness, notes, and other debt obligations as evidence thereof and provide for the manner and method of repayment in accordance with law. Proposed law authorizes the authority to issue revenue bonds to finance the undertaking of a redevelopment project, or otherwise to acquire, purchase, lease, construct, or improve housing, residential development, subdivision development, commercial, research, industrial, or other plant sites and buildings, or other capital improvements. Authorizes the authority to enter into, amend, or terminate, as it determines to be necessary or appropriate, any ancillary contracts for certain purposes. Proposed law provides that the authority shall not be required to pay any taxes. Provides that any bonds, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the authority and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state and by any parish, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state. Proposed law further requires the authority to annually submit a report to the House and Senate committees on municipal affairs regarding the properties purchased, the amount paid for the properties, and the authority's plans for the property. Proposed law authorizes the authority to purchase adjudicated properties within its jurisdiction from any political subdivision of the state. Provides that no such purchase shall be construed to, or otherwise have the effect of, extending or suspending the period prescribed by law for the redemption of the property by the tax debtor or any other person. Proposed law provides that the authority shall have the power to create and execute redevelopment or development plans for specified areas within its jurisdiction. Provides that the implementation of all such plans shall not proceed until, to the extent required by law, the authority has obtained the approval of the local planning commission or zoning board. Provides that a redevelopment plan shall include a definition of the redevelopment area. Provides that the area, or any part thereof, may be further designated as a subdistrict of the authority. Proposed law authorizes the authority to sell, lease, or otherwise transfer immovable property or any interest therein acquired by it in redevelopment areas for residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, or other uses or for public use, in accordance with the redevelopment plan, subject to such covenants, conditions, and restrictions, including HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 38 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. covenants running with the land, as it may deem to be necessary or desirable to assist in preventing the development or spread of future slums or blighted areas or to provide for the elimination thereof or to otherwise carry out the purposes of proposed law. Proposed law authorizes the authority to dispose of, sell, or lease immovable property in a redevelopment area to any private person for the fair market value of the property as determined by a certified and competent appraiser, or to any private person pursuant to reasonable competitive bidding procedures as it shall prescribe subject to the provisions of proposed law. Requires that such bidding procedures include public notice. Proposed law authorizes the authority to temporarily operate, maintain, or lease real property acquired by it in a redevelopment area for or in connection with a redevelopment project pending disposition of the property for such uses and purposes as may be deemed desirable even though not in connection with the redevelopment plan. Proposed law provides that any real property within a redevelopment area may be disposed of without regard to the provisions of proposed law. Provides that real property acquired in accordance with a redevelopment plan may be disposed of to a public body for public reuse without regard to the provisions of proposed law. Proposed law provides that where an area in the parish is designated as a redevelopment area under the federal Area Redevelopment Act (P.L. 87-27), or any act supplementary thereto, land in a redevelopment project area designated under the redevelopment plan for industrial or commercial uses may be disposed of to any public body or nonprofit corporation for subsequent disposition as promptly as practical by the public body or corporation for redevelopment in accordance with the redevelopment plan. Proposed law authorizes the authority to, in the implementation of a redevelopment plan, create a subdistrict(s) to conduct, oversee, or assist in the implementation of such redevelopment plan. Provides that the boundaries of such a subdistrict may include all or part of the redevelopment area and provides that such a subdistrict shall have and exercise such powers and responsibilities as the authority shall specify in the enabling resolution. Proposed law provides that the creation of a subdistrict shall in no instance result in the detachment, severance, or loss of any power or responsibility granted to the authority; within the confines of any subdistrict the authority shall have full jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the subdistrict, to exercise said powers and responsibilities. Further provides the restriction that the authority and any subdistrict it creates shall not collectively have any greater power to tax than that granted to the authority alone. Provides that unless otherwise specified in the resolution or other formal act creating the subdistrict, the board members of the authority shall constitute the governing authority of the subdistrict. Proposed law provides that in addition to the other powers it may be granted, a subdistrict may enjoy, within its geographical boundaries, the powers of tax increment financing, the issuance of revenue bonds, and those other powers that may be exercised by an economic development district created by a local governmental subdivision pursuant to present law (R.S. 33:9038.2). Proposed law provides that all banks, trust companies, bankers, savings banks and institutions, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, investment companies, and other persons carrying on a banking or investment business; all insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on an insurance business; and all executors, administrators, curators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may legally invest any sinking funds, monies, or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds or other obligations issued by the authority. Proposed law provides that bonds and other obligations shall be authorized security for all public deposits. Provides that it is the purpose of proposed law to authorize any public or HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 39 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. private persons, political subdivisions, and officers, public or private, to use any funds owned or controlled by them for the purchase of any bonds or other obligations. Provides that nothing contained in proposed law with regard to legal investments shall be construed as relieving any person of any duty to exercise reasonable care in selecting securities. Proposed law provides that any instrument executed, in proper form and with proper certification of authority, by an authority purporting to convey any right, title, or interest in any property pursuant to proposed law shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed in compliance with provisions of proposed law insofar as title or other interest of any bona fide purchasers, lessees, or transferees of the property is concerned. Proposed law provides that insofar as the provisions of proposed law are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, the provisions of proposed law shall be controlling. Provides however, that the authority shall be subject to the provisions of the Local Government Fair Competition Act, R.S. 45:844.41 et seq. Additionally provides that the authority conferred by proposed law shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law. Proposed law further provides for an expedited procedure to enable the authority to more efficiently quiet title and initiate a foreclosure action regarding immovable property acquired by the authority. Proposed law requires the authority to file a notice with the clerk of court regarding the property for which it is attempting to quiet title. Requires that the notice include the legal description of the property, the street address of the property (if any), the name, address, and telephone number of the authority, a statement that the property is subject to expedited quiet title proceeding and foreclosure, and a statement that any legal interests in the property may be extinguished by a district court order vesting title to the property in the authority. Provides for additional procedures if there is a deficiency in the notice. Proposed law requires the authority, if it has reason to believe that a property subject to an expedited quiet title proceeding and foreclosure may be the site of environmental contamination, to provide the Dept. of Environmental Quality with any information in the possession of the authority that suggests such is the case. Proposed law requires the authority, after recording the notice, to initiate a records search in order to determine the owners who have any interest in the property subject to the expedited procedure. Authorizes the authority to enter into a contract with or request from one or more authorized representatives a title search or other title product to identify the owners of a property interest. Provides that the owner of a property interest is entitled to notice under proposed law if that owner's interest is identifiable by reference to any of the following sources before the date that the authority records the notice: (1)Land title records in the office of the recorder of mortgages and the register of conveyances. (2)Tax records in the office of the assessor. Proposed law authorizes the authority to file a single petition with the district court which lists all of the property subject to expedited foreclosure. Requires the authority to request a hearing on the petition within 90 days seeking a judgment in favor of the authority against each property, without the right of redemption. Requires the clerk of the district court to immediately set the date, time, and place for the hearing not more than 10 days after the date requested by the authority in the petition. Proposed law requires the authority to send notice of the hearing, not less than 30 days prior, by certified mail to any person identified as having an interest in the property subject to the HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 40 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. expedited foreclosure proceeding. Requires the authority to also send notice via regular mail addressed to "Occupant" to each property subject to expedited foreclosure. Proposed law further requires the authority, or its authorized representative, to post a written notice on each property at least 30 days prior to the expedited foreclosure hearing. Requires that each notice include specified information. Proposed law requires the authority, if it is unable to provide the appropriate notice, to provide notice through publication for three consecutive weeks prior to the hearing on the matter in a newspaper published and circulated in the Lafayette Parish. Proposed law requires the authority to file proof of the notice required by proposed law, proof of notice by posting on the property, if applicable, and proof of notice by publication, if applicable, with the clerk of the district court prior to the hearing. Requires any person who has an interest in the property subject to the expedited foreclosure to file written objections with the clerk and serve those objections on the authority prior to the hearing. Proposed law requires the district court to enter judgment on the petition not more than 10 days following the conclusion of the hearing or contested case. Requires the judgment to specify certain information. Proposed law provides that except as otherwise provided in proposed law, title to property set forth in a petition for foreclosure shall vest absolutely in the authority upon the effective date of the judgment by the district court. Provides that the authority shall have absolute title to the property, and the title is not subject to any recorded or unrecorded lien, except as otherwise provided in proposed law and shall not be stayed or held invalid except as otherwise provided in proposed law. Provides that a judgment is a final order with respect to the property affected by the judgment and shall not be modified, stayed, or held invalid after the effective date of the judgment, except as otherwise provided in proposed law. Proposed law provides that any person with an interest in the foreclosed property may appeal the district court's order or district court's judgment within 21 days following the effective date of the judgment. Provides that the appeal of the judgment shall be entitled to preference and priority and handled on an expedited basis by the court of appeal and, if applicable, the La. Supreme Court. Provides that in such cases, the record shall be prepared and filed within 15 days of the granting of the order of appeal. Requires the court of appeal to hear the case within 30 days after the filing of the appellee's brief. Further provides that an appeal is limited to the record of the proceedings in the district court. Provides that the district court's judgment foreclosing property shall be stayed until the court of appeals has reversed, modified, or affirmed that judgment. Proposed law provides that if an appeal stays the district court's judgment foreclosing property, the district court's judgment is stayed only as to the property that is the subject of that appeal. Provides that the district court's judgment foreclosing other property that is not the subject of that appeal is not stayed. Requires a person appealing the judgment to pay to the authority any taxes, interest, penalties, and fees due on the property and to provide notice of the appeal to the authority within 21 days after the district court's judgment is effective. Provides that if the district court's judgment foreclosing the property is affirmed on appeal, the amount determined to be due shall be refunded to the person who appealed the judgment. Provides that if the district court's judgment foreclosing the property is reversed or modified on appeal, the authority shall refund the amount determined to be due to the person who appealed the judgment, if any, and forward the balance to the appropriate taxing jurisdictions in accordance with the order of the court of appeals. Proposed law provides that it is the intent of the legislature that the provisions of proposed law relating to the expedited quiet title and foreclosure of property by the authority satisfy the minimum requirements of due process required under the state constitution and the U.S. Constitution. Provides that the provisions do not create new rights beyond those required HLS 11RS-503 REENGROSSED HB NO. 531 Page 41 of 41 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. under the state constitution or the U.S. Constitution. Provides that the failure of the authority to follow a requirement of proposed law shall not be construed to create a claim or cause of action against the authority unless the minimum requirements of due process accorded under the state constitution or the U.S. Constitution are violated. Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. (Amends R.S. 44:4.1(B)(18); Adds R.S. 33:4720.201)