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 733 Engrossed 2015 Regular Session Hensgens
Abstract: Provides relative to annexation procedures in the city of Abbeville.
Present law (R.S. 33:171 et seq.) authorizes municipalities to annex contiguous territory by
ordinance. Generally requires compliance with one of the following procedures in adoption of the
ordinance:
(1)The ordinance is requested by a petition signed by a majority of the registered voters and a
majority in number of the resident property owners as well as 25% in value of the property
of the resident property owners within the area proposed to be included in the corporate
limits. Provides that the requirement for voter signatures shall not apply if there are no
registered voters in the area.
(2)The ordinance is approved by the voters of the area proposed to be annexed in an election
requested by a petition signed by at least 25% of the resident property owners and by the
owners of at least 25% in value of the resident property within such area.
Proposed law authorizes the city of Abbeville to adopt an ordinance annexing properties without
obtaining the request or approval of the residents and property owners of the area required by present
law if the area to be annexed is an unincorporated area of less than five acres that exists completely
within the external boundaries of the city.
Proposed law further requires the city of Abbeville to hold a public hearing to receive public
comment concerning the annexation of such properties. Requires the governing authority of the city
to provide notice of its intent to annex such properties by advertisement in its official journal on at
least three separate days at least 30 days prior to the date on which the hearing is to be held.
Provides that, after such hearing, the governing authority of the city may adopt an ordinance that
authorizes such annexation. Further requires, at least 10 days prior to the hearing, a good faith
attempt to notify the owner or owners of record of the properties to be annexed by the sending of an
official notice by certified mail of the time and place of the hearing.
Proposed law is repealed effective Dec. 31, 2017.
(Adds R.S. 33:172.4; Repeals R.S. 33:172.4)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill:
1. Add provision to repeal proposed law on Dec. 31, 2017.