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 451 Reengrossed 2015 Regular Session Schexnayder
Abstract: Provides for the abolition of certain boards, commissions, authorities, and like entities;
in some cases also abolishes the functions and responsibilities of the entity; in other cases
provides that a different entity is responsible for the functions and responsibilities of the
abolished entity.
Proposed law provides for the abolition of certain boards, commissions, authorities, and like entities;
in some cases also abolishes the functions and responsibilities of the entity; in other cases provides
that some other person or entity is responsible for the functions and responsibilities of the abolished
entity, all as follows:
Allen Parish Reservoir District and its board of commissioners: Present law creates the district as
a political subdivision of the state to develop the wealth and natural resources of the district
by the conservation of soil and water for agricultural, recreational, commercial, industrial,
economic development, and sanitary purposes, including the creation and maintenance of a
lake and other recreational facilities. Provides that the district be governed and controlled
by a board of five commissioners. Places the district as an independent agency within the
Dept. of Transportation and Development. Proposed law abolishes the district and its board
of commissioners.
Jean Lafitte Marine Fisheries Museum Governing Board: Present law provides that the Jean Lafitte
Marine Fisheries Museum is established under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of State to be a
historical, cultural, scientific, technological, and educational institution to research, collect,
preserve, and present documents, artifacts, objects of art, and the like that reflect the social,
cultural, and economic history of Louisiana's marine and fisheries industry. Provides that
the governing board is comprised of thirteen members who have a knowledge of and an
interest in historical preservation and the history of the marine and fisheries industry and
grants the governing board specific powers and duties regarding the operations of the
museum. Proposed law abolishes the governing board, removes all references to the
governing board, and provides that the powers, duties, functions, responsibilities, programs,
and operations of the museum shall be exercised by and be under the administration and
control of the secretary of state except for those required to be performed and administered
by the undersecretary of the Dept. of State.
West Ouachita Parish Reservoir District and its board of commissioners: Present law creates the
district as a political subdivision of the state to develop the wealth and natural resources of
the district by the conservation of soil and water for agricultural, recreational, commercial, industrial, economic development, and sanitary purposes, including the creation and
maintenance of a lake and other recreational facilities. Provides that the district be governed
and controlled by a board of five commissioners. Places the district as an independent
agency within the Dept. of Transportation and Development. Proposed law abolishes the
district and its board of commissioners.
South La. Wetlands Discovery Center and its board of commissioners: Present law provides for the
center to be a tourist center located in Terrebonne Parish and creates the South La. Wetlands
Discovery Center Commission in the parish. Proposed law repeals provisions of present law
relative to the center and its board of commissioners.
Proposed law provides that the property and funds, if any, of the entities abolished by proposed law
that are not otherwise transferred by proposed law shall be the property of the state and the state
treasurer shall provide for the deposit of such funds in the state treasury to the credit of the state
general fund, after deposit in the Bond Security and Redemption Funds as provided by law.
(Amends R.S. 25:380.75 and 380.76 and R.S. 36:744(U) and 851(A); Repeals R.S. 25:380.72,
380.73, and 1311-1316, R.S. 36:509(R) and (T), and 801.14, R.S. 38:3087.171-3087.185, and
3087.241-3087.255)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Remove the repeal of the provisions relative to the La. Historic Cemetery Trust Advisory
Board.
2. Add provisions to repeal provisions for and the powers, functions, and duties of the
South La. Wetlands Discovery Center and its commission.