RDCSB25 552 3274
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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)]
Broome SB No. 25
Proposed law creates the Southern Heights Neighborhood Crime Prevention and
Improvement District as a political subdivision in East Baton Rouge Parish to aid in crime
prevention and to add to the security of district residents by providing for an increase of law
enforcement personnel in the district. Provides for district boundaries.
Proposed law provides for governance of the district by a seven-member board of
commissioners, all of whom must own property and reside within the district. Requires
board members to serve without compensation and to serve terms of two or three years, as
determined by proposed law. Provides that the board shall be composed as follows:
(1)Three members appointed by the board of directors of the Southern Heights Property
Owners Association, Inc.
(2)One member appointed by the member(s) of the La. House of Representatives who
represent the area which comprises the district.
(3)One member appointed by the member(s) of the La. Senate who represent the area
which comprises the district.
(4)One member appointed by the assessor for East Baton Rouge Parish.
(5)One member appointed by the Metro Council member(s) who represent the district.
Proposed law provides for the powers and duties of the district including the following:
(1)To sue and be sued.
(2)To adopt and use a corporate seal.
(3)To receive and spend funds collected pursuant to proposed law in accordance with
a budget adopted in accordance with proposed law.
(4)To enter into contracts for security patrols in the district.
(5)To perform other functions or activities necessary for achieving any purpose of the
district.
(6)To purchase items necessary to achieve any purpose of the district.
(7)To acquire, lease, insure, and sell immovable property.
Proposed law authorizes the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish, subject to
voter approval, to impose a parcel fee on improved and unimproved parcels within the
district. Provides that the fee shall be as provided by duly adopted resolution of the board
not exceed $100 per parcel per year. Requires the board, not less than 30 days prior to any
election to approve the fee, to mail notification of the upcoming election to each registered
voter of the district and to each parcel owner who is not a registered voter of the district.
Proposed law provides that not less than five years after the fee is approved, the governing
authority of the district may increase the amount of the fee one time, without an election, not
to exceed $150 per parcel per year. Provides that the fee shall expire 10 years after its initial
imposition, but may be renewed subject to voter approval for a term not to exceed 10 years. RDCSB25 552 3274
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Proposed law provides that the fee shall be collected at the same time and in the same
manner as ad valorem taxes are collected by the parish. Further provides that any parcel fee
shall be enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties as ad valorem
taxes. Requires the sheriff to remit to the district all amounts collected not more than 60
days after collection; however, authorizes the district to enter into an agreement with the
sheriff to authorize the sheriff to retain a collection fee.
Proposed law requires the board to adopt an annual budget in accordance with present law
(Local Government Budget Act) and provides that the district shall be subject to audit by the
legislative auditor.
Proposed law provides that it is the purpose and intent of proposed law that the additional
law enforcement personnel and their services provided for through the fees authorized by
proposed law shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of personnel and services provided in
the district by the city-parish.
Proposed law requires the district's board, if the district ceases to exist, to transmit all district
funds to the city-parish to be used for law enforcement purposes in the area which comprised
the district.
Proposed law provides for indemnification of board members by the district and limits board
member liability for acts or omissions arising out of the performance of a member's duties.
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.19)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the reengrossed bill.
1. Relative to the collection of the parcel fee, removes provisions that authorize the
sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish to retain the same percentage of collectable
amounts as he receives for the collection of ad valorem taxes and instead
authorizes the district to enter into an agreement with the sheriff to authorize the
sheriff to retain a collection fee.
2. Removes provisions that require the district to submit its budget and all
amendments to the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish.