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 235 Re-Reengrossed 2015 Regular Session Arnold
Abstract: Authorizes the legislature to provide, by local law, for the incorporation of any area
located within a single parish and to change the boundaries of any municipality affected by
the incorporation, and removes application of the homestead exemption for general city taxes
for property located in Orleans Parish
Present constitution provides that the legislature shall provide by general law for the incorporation,
consolidation, merger, and government of municipalities. Provides that no local or special law shall
create a municipal corporation, or amend, modify, or repeal a municipal charter. Present constitution
provides, however, that a special legislative charter existing on the effective date of present
constitution may be amended, modified, or repealed by local or special law.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution except authorizes the legislature to
provide, by local law, for the incorporation of any area located within a single parish, if the parish
contains fewer than two incorporated areas on Jan. 1, 2016, and to provide for the exclusion of the
area from the boundaries of any existing municipality. Provides that such exclusion shall not be
effective until the effective date of such incorporation and upon approval by a majority of the
electors residing in the newly incorporated area.
Proposed law provides that the exemption from ad valorem taxes for general city taxes shall not
apply to property located in any municipality in the parish of Orleans.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held
Oct. 24, 2015.
(Amends Const. Art. VI, ยง2)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
engrossed bill:
1. Limit applicability to parishes containing fewer than two incorporated areas.
2. Remove application of the homestead exemption for general city taxes for property
located in Orleans Parish. 3. Add technical changes to the ballot language.
The House Floor Amendments to the reengrossed bill:
1. Add a requirement that a majority of the electors residing in the newly incorporated area
approve the exclusion of the area from the boundaries of an existing municipality prior
to the exclusion becoming effective.