RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 118 (HB 527) 2015 Regular Session Barrow
New 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
and powers and duties.
New 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.
Requires members to own property and reside within the district and be qualified voters of
the district.
New 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 annual 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, to an amount not to exceed $250. 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 existing law (R.S. 9:1121.103).
New law provides that the fee shall expire 10 years after its levy but authorizes renewal of
the fee. Provides that the amount of the renewed fee shall not exceed $250 and the term of
the renewal shall be as provided in the proposition authorizing the renewal, not to exceed 10
years.
New 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.
New law authorizes the sheriff to retain a collection fee as specified in an agreement with the
district.
New 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.
New law provides that it is the purpose and intent of new law that the additional law
enforcement personnel and their services provided for through the fees authorized by new
law shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of personnel and services provided in the district
by the city-parish.
New 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.
New law requires the district to indemnify its officers and board members to the fullest
extent permitted by existing 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 further with respect
to the liability of officers and board members.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 19, 2015).
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.25)