Alfred Williams (HB 950) Act No. 209
Existing law creates the Goodwood Homesites Crime Prevention and Neighborhood
Improvement District in East Baton Rouge Parish as a political subdivision of the state in
order to aid in crime prevention and to add to the security of district residents by providing
for an increase in the presence of law enforcement personnel in the district. Provides for
district boundaries and powers and duties. New law revises the boundaries of the district.
Existing law authorizes the governing authority of the city of Baton Rouge, parish of East
Baton Rouge, subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district
which amount shall be as requested by duly adopted board resolution. Prior law provided
that the amount of the fee could not be more than $150 per parcel per year on residential
properties and $450 per parcel per year on commercial properties; provided however, that
the fee could not exceed $70 per parcel per year if any owner of the parcel was a person 70
years of age or older.
New law provides that the maximum parcel fee is $200 per year for residential parcels, $500
per year for commercial parcels. However, provides that the maximum fee is $90 for any
owner who qualifies for the special assessment level for ad valorem taxes as provided in
existing constitution (Art. VII, ยง18(G)(1)). To qualify for the special assessment level, the
owner must have a homestead exemption, have an annual income below a certain level
($50,000 adjusted annually for inflation), and meet one of the following qualifications:
(1)He is 65 years of age or older.
(2)He has a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more.
(3)He is a member of the U.S. armed forces or the La. National Guard who owned and
last occupied such property and was killed in action, or is missing in action or a
prisoner of war for a period exceeding 90 days.
(4)He is permanently totally disabled.
Existing law requires that the fee be imposed on each improved parcel located within the
district. Prior law defined "parcel" as a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, an individual
tract, or a condominium parcel as defined in existing law. New law defines improved parcel
as a lot upon which a residence, commercial building, or other structure is situated.
Effective Aug. 1, 2014.
(Amends R.S. 33:9097.20(B) and (F)(1) and (2); Repeals R.S. 33:9097.20(F)(3))