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)]
HB 23 Engrossed 2015 Regular Session Hensgens
Abstract: Provides with respect to the Vermilion Parish Economic Development District.
Present law provides for the creation of the Vermilion Parish Economic Development District.
Proposed law retains present law, but changes name of district to the Vermilion Economic
Development District.
Present law provides that the district shall be governed by a board of commissioners consisting of
13 members. Proposed law provides that the board of commissioners consists of 15 members.
Proposed law makes changes to board membership as follows:
(1)Present law provides that the Vermilion Parish Police Jury appoints nine members, four of
whom are to be selected from a list of names submitted by the governing authorities of
Abbeville, Delcambre, Erath, Gueydan, Kaplan, and Maurice. Proposed law provides instead
that the police jury appoints five members. Provides that the governing authorities of six
municipalities each appoint a member, with such appointments being subject to approval of
the board of commissioners.
(2)Present law provides that one member is appointed by the Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau.
Proposed law provides instead for appointment of one member by the parish sheriff.
(3)Present law provides that one member is appointed by the Vermilion Parish Tourist
Commission. Proposed law provides instead for appointment of one member by the parish
school board.
Proposed law retains present law with respect to one appointment each by the Abbeville Harbor and
Terminal District and the Greater Abbeville-Vermilion Chamber of Commerce.
Proposed law adds provision requiring the board to be representative of the parish's population by
race and ethnicity to ensure diversity.
Present law authorizes the Vermilion Parish Police Jury to adopt a resolution by 2/3 vote calling for
the dissolution of the district, effective no earlier than one year from the vote. Proposed law
provides instead that the district may dissolve itself by the same vote and subject to the same
limitation on effectiveness.
Provides that members of the board in office on the effective date of proposed law serve until the expiration of their terms.
(Amends R.S. 33:130.561(A), 130.562(A) and (G), and 130.570)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill:
1. Add provision that members of the board in office on the effective date of proposed law
shall serve until the expiration of their terms.