Louisiana 2014 2014 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB574 Comm Sub / Analysis

                    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)]
Badon	HB No. 574
Abstract: Relative to the Seabrook Neighborhood Improvement and Security District, provides
relative to the parcel fee imposed within the district and the membership of the district's
governing board.
Present law creates the Seabrook Neighborhood Improvement and Security District in Orleans
Parish as a political subdivision for the primary object and purpose of promoting and
encouraging the beautification, security, and overall betterment of the district.  Provides for the
district's boundaries and powers and duties.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that the district is governed by a board of five commissioners composed as
follows: the president of the Seabrook Neighborhood Homeowners Association (association), the
city council member whose district encompasses all or a greater portion of the area of the district,
or his designee, and three members appointed by the governing board of the association, one of
whom shall be a member of the governing board of the association.
Proposed law removes the council member or his designee and grants an additional appointment
to the governing board of the association.  Proposed law additionally requires that all members
appointed by the governing board of the association be members of the association rather than
one member who is a member of the governing board of the association.  The president of the
association will continue to serve as a member of the board.
Present law requires board members to serve three-year staggered terms without compensation. 
Additionally requires members to select from among themselves a president and such other
officers as they deem appropriate.  Requires that the responsibilities of the officers be provided in
the board's bylaws.  Requires that vacancies be filled in the same manner as original
appointments.  Proposed law retains present law and additionally requires that the terms of the
officers be provided in the board's bylaws.
Proposed law additionally provides that the terms of the members of the board in office on the
effective date of proposed law shall terminate on the effective date of proposed law but members
must remain in office until the board members are appointed as provided in proposed law. 
Provides that proposed law must not be construed to prevent the reappointment to the board of a
member in office on the effective date of proposed law. Present law authorizes the governing authority of the city of New Orleans, subject to voter
approval, to impose a parcel fee on behalf of the district. Provides that the fee is a flat fee per
improved parcel of land not to exceed $200 per year for each parcel.
Proposed law retains present law but provides that the parcel fee shall not exceed $100 per year
for a parcel if any owner is 65 years of age or older or has been a full-time active duty member of
the armed forces of the U.S. for three consecutive years.
Present law provides that the fee expires on Dec. 31, 2014, but authorizes renewal of the fee for
an additional eight years.  	Proposed law instead provides that the fee expires on Dec. 31, 2018. 
Retains present law provisions authorizing renewal for eight years.
Proposed law provides that the provisions of proposed law shall not affect the parcel fee being
imposed within the district on the effective date of proposed law. Requires the governing
authority of the city of New Orleans to continue to impose the parcel fee until it expires, as
provided in the proposition approved by a majority of the district's registered voters voting on the
proposition at an election held on Nov. 2, 2010. Further requires the governing authority of the
city to begin to impose a parcel fee as provided in proposed law, if approved by a majority of the
district's registered voters as provided in proposed law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 33:9091.16(D) and (F)(1) and (3)(b))