The original instrument was prepared by Thomas L. Tyler. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Jay
Lueckel.
DIGEST
Morrell (SB 441)
Proposed law requires that the office of community development disaster recovery unit (office)
terminate procedures in effect on the effective date of proposed law under which disaster
recovery monies paid as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, including monies paid under the
Road Home program, are to be recovered by the office which are alleged to have been improperly
paid to or misspent by the recipients.
Proposed law prohibits the office from initiating recovery of disaster monies paid as a result of
hurricanes Katrina and Rita, including recovery of monies paid under the Road Home program,
until procedures for recovery of these monies are adopted by the office in accordance with the
provisions of proposed law.
Proposed law requires that procedures to recover such funds include, at a minimum, the
following items:
(1)Documentation that any letter to a person seeking confirmation that disaster monies paid
were used in accordance with the program rules was received at the person's correct
municipal address.
(2)That the letter to a recipient clearly indicate the information needed to verify that disaster
monies were used in accordance with program rules.
(3)That the recipient is given a minimum of 90 days within which to respond to the office by
mail, return receipt requested or in person.
(4)That all issues concerning program compliance rules be resolved within 60 days after
receipt by the office of the information requested by the office.
Proposed law provides that the office of community development disaster recovery unit will
develop the procedures by October 1, 2014.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 49:663.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the original bill
1. Relative to the recovery of hurricane disaster recovery funds improperly paid to or
misspent by recipients, persons who have received letters to verify their proper
use of program funds are given a minimum of 90 days to respond by mail or in
person.