Morrell (SB 441) Act No. 709
New law requires that the office of community development disaster recovery unit (office)
terminate procedures in effect on the effective date of new 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 if such monies are alleged to have been
improperly paid to or misspent by the recipients.
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 new
law.
New law requires that procedures to recover such funds include, at a minimum, the following
items:
(1)The office must provide documentation that any letter sent to a recipient seeking
confirmation that disaster monies paid were used in accordance with the program
rules and was received at the person's correct municipal address.
(2)The letter to a recipient must clearly indicate the information needed to verify that
disaster monies were used in accordance with program rules.
(3)The recipient will have a minimum of 90 days within which to respond to the office
by mail, return receipt requested or in person.
(4)All issues concerning program compliance will be resolved within 60 days after the
office receives the information requested.
Provides that the office of community development disaster recovery unit will develop the
procedures by October 1, 2014.
Effective upon signature of the governor (June 18, 2014).
(Amends R.S. 49:663.1)