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 709 Reengrossed 2015 Regular Session Harrison
Abstract: Provides relative to per diem for members and board of commissioners of levee districts
and levee and drainage districts.
Present law, in pertinent part, provides that each levee district and levee and drainage district in the
state, any board of commissioners of any levee district and levee and drainage district in this state
may by a vote of 2/3 of the total membership of the board fix the per diem of its members; however,
the per diem of each member cannot exceed $75 during the time such member is in actual attendance
upon the board or performing duties authorized by the board. Specifies that the per diem may be
payable for 36 days per year. Provides that during the period of an emergency as determined by the
governor, each district which has been declared to be under such an emergency by the governor may
be authorized to hold as many meetings or emergency activities as the board deems necessary and
the members shall be paid per diem for such meetings or activities. Authorizes the reimbursement
of each member for travel expenses in accordance with state travel regulations as prescribed by the
Division of Administration.
Proposed law retains present law except ties the per diem rate of members and board of
commissioners of levee districts and levee and drainage districts to the federal per diem rates.
Proposed law requires that a board of commissioners of any levee district and levee and drainage
district in this state provide at least two weeks notice to the public of its intent to vote on whether
or not to fix the per diem of its members above $75.
(Amends R.S. 38:308(A); Adds R.S. 38:308(C))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill:
1. Add a requirement that the board of commissioners of any levee district and levee and
drainage district in this state must provide at least two weeks notice to the public of its
intent to vote on whether or not to fix the per diem of its members above $75.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make a technical change.