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 623 Original 2015 Regular Session Reynolds
Abstract: Provides for the creation of a special taxing district in Webster Parish to solely support
the Webster Parish Coroner's Office.
Proposed law creates an assessment district to be known as the "Coroner's Office Funding District"
with boundaries to be coterminous with the boundaries of Webster Parish and to be governed by the
coroner of the parish.
Proposed law authorizes the governing authority of the district to levy and collect ad valorem taxes
not to exceed eight mills on all property subject to taxation by the parish and further provides that
such taxes shall be free of deductions for retirement systems.
Proposed law requires that the proceeds of such taxes be used for the benefit of the district, including
the salaries of the coroner, his assistants, secretaries, stenographers, clerks, technicians, investigators,
official photographers, and all necessary expenses related to the operation and functions of the office.
Proposed law prohibits the parish governing authority or other local municipality from being
obligated to pay any fee or cost associated with the operation of the office.
Proposed law provides relative to the powers and duties of the coroner as follows:
(1)Authorizes the purchase or rental of immovable property and provides relative to ownership
of such property.
(2)Requires the coroner to establish the salary and benefits for all employees associated with
the coroner's office.
(3)Requires the coroner to be responsible for all contracting and funding of all services and
obligations relative to the coroner's duties.
(4)Requires the coroner to receive a reasonable fee or compensation for certain services
requested by the district attorney, any judge, sheriff, the chief of police, or any responsible
citizen or resident when acting in good faith in an emergency and in furtherance of the public
good or safety.
(5)Requires the parish governing authority to pay a reasonable fee or remuneration for certain
services associated with the duties of the coroner's office. (Adds R.S. 13:5761-5764)