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 527 Original 2015 Regular Session Barrow
Abstract: Creates the Forest Heights Park Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Improvement
District in East Baton Rouge Parish in order to aid in crime prevention and to add to fund
improvements for the district. Provides for a board of commissioners and for the imposition
and use of a parcel fee.
Proposed law creates the Forest Heights Park Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Improvement
District in East Baton Rouge Parish as a political subdivision of the state in order to aid in crime
prevention and to add to the security of district residents by providing for an increase in the presence
of law enforcement personnel in the district. Provides for district boundaries.
Proposed law provides that the district shall be governed by a seven-member board of commissioners
composed as follows:
(1)Four members appointed by the board of directors of the Forest Heights Park Homeowners
Assoc.
(2)One member appointed by the La. House of Representatives whose district encompasses all
or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(3)One member appointed by the La. Senate whose district encompasses all or the greater
portion of the area of the district.
(4)One member appointed by the assessor for East Baton Rouge Parish.
Proposed law provides for the district's powers and duties, including the following:
(1)To sue and be sued.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3)To receive and expend funds collected pursuant to proposed law and in accordance with a
budget adopted as provided by proposed law.
(4)To enter into contracts and agreements with one or more other districts for the joint security,
improvement, or betterment of all participating districts. (5)To perform or have performed any other function or activity necessary for achieving the
district's purpose.
Proposed law authorizes the district, subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel fee
within the district. Provides that the initial amount of the fee shall not exceed $120. Requires that
the fee be imposed on each improved and unimproved parcel located within the district. Authorizes
the board, not less than five years from the initial imposition of the fee, to increase the fee one time
without election, not to exceed $250.
Proposed law defines parcel as a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, or an individual tract which is
zoned residential. Provides that the term shall not include condominium parcel or condominium
property as defined in present law.
Proposed law provides that the fee shall expire 10 years after its levy but authorizes renewal of the
fee. Provides that the amount of the renewal shall not exceed $250 and the term of the imposition
of the fee shall be as provided in the proposition authorizing such renewal, not to exceed 10 years.
Proposed law provides that the fee shall be collected in the same manner and at the same time as ad
valorem taxes and that any unpaid fee shall be added to the city tax rolls and enforced with the same
authority and subject to the same penalties and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes. Proposed
law authorizes the sheriff to retain a collection fee and otherwise requires the sheriff to remit to the
district all amounts collected.
Proposed law authorizes the district to solicit voluntary contributions and grants to further district
purposes.
Proposed law requires the board to adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Local Government
Budget Act and provides that the district shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor.
Proposed law provides that it is the purpose and intent of proposed law that the additional law
enforcement personnel and their services provided for through the fees authorized by proposed law
shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of personnel and services provided in the district by the city-
parish.
Proposed law provides that if the district ceases to exist, all district funds shall be transmitted to the
city-parish to be used for law enforcement purposes in the area which comprised the district.
Proposed law requires the district to indemnify its officers and board members to the fullest extent
permitted by present law (relative to indemnification of officers, directors, employees, and agents
of nonprofit corporations) as fully as if the district were a nonprofit corporation governed thereby
and as may be provided in district bylaws. Provides that no board member or officer shall be liable
to the district or to any individual who resides, owns property, visits, or otherwise conducts business
in the district for monetary damages for breach of duties. However, provides that this shall not
eliminate or limit the liability of a board member or officer for: (1)Acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law.
(2)Any transaction from which he derived an improper personal benefit.
Proposed law provides that a board member or officer shall not be individually liable for any act or
omission arising out of the performance of his duties to the fullest extent permitted by present law
relative to limitation of liability of directors, officers, and trustees of certain organizations and
districts.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.25)