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)]
Reynolds HB No. 206
Abstract: Replaces requirement that the legislature create parish school boards with a
requirement that the legislature create local public school boards and specify their
geographic jurisdiction and requires voter approval of new school boards; provides that
any local public school district is to be included in the MFP and has constitutionally
granted authority to levy ad valorem taxes.
Present constitution requires the legislature to create parish school boards. Proposed
constitutional amendment removes "parish" as a restriction on the type of school boards the
legislature is to create and requires that the legislature specify the geographic jurisdiction of
school boards. Proposed constitutional amendment changes references to parish schools and city
or municipal schools to local public schools in the following constitutional provisions thereby
providing that all school systems are covered by these provisions:
(1)Provisions for the selection of local school superintendents.
(2)Provisions for inclusion of school systems in the MFP formula and for the allocation of
MFP funds to such systems.
(3)Provisions requiring school systems to levy ad valorem taxes and establishing the
maximum millage rate for such taxes.
Present constitution specifically provides that the following school systems are treated like other
school systems for purposes of the MFP and local taxing authority: the Central community
school system, the Zachary community school system, and school systems in Baker, Monroe, and
Bogalusa. Proposed constitutional amendment repeals present constitution.
Proposed constitutional amendment prohibits creation of a school district that is not wholly
contained in a single parish.
Proposed constitutional amendment requires voter approval of an act of the legislature creating a
new school board and a school district from territory in an existing district or districts. Requires
approval of a majority of the electors voting in both the proposed school district and in each
existing school district from which the proposed district is to be created.
Present constitution (Art. III, §12) prohibits a local law regarding management of parish or city
public schools. Proposed constitution provides that a legislative act creating a school board or
changing a school district shall not violate this provision, but requires publication of local notice of any such legislation.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be
held Nov. 4, 2014.
(Amends Const. Art. VIII, §§9 and 13(B), (C), and (D))