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 1074 Original 2016 Regular Session James
Abstract: Creates the North Baton Rouge Economic Development District in East Baton Rouge
Parish and provides relative to the governance, purpose, powers, duties, and plans of the
district.
Proposed law creates the North Baton Rouge Economic Development District as a political
subdivision in East Baton Rouge Parish for the purpose of developing the area included within the
district in order to provide for substantial economic activity and employment opportunities. Provides
for district boundaries.
Proposed law provides that the district shall be managed by an eleven-member board of
commissioners comprised of members as follows:
(1)One member appointed by the state representative for House District No. 29 who must be
a representative of the business community.
(2)One member appointed by the state senator for Senate District No. 15.
(3)One member appointed by the mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish.
(4)One member appointed by the member(s) of the governing authority of East Baton Rouge
Parish who represent the district.
(5)One member appointed by the governing board of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.
(6)One member appointed by the state representative for House District No. 61.
(7)One member appointed by the state representative for House District No. 67.
(8)One member appointed by the state representative for House District No. 101.
(9)One member appointed by the state senator for Senate District No. 14.
(10)One member appointed by the president-chancellor of Southern University.
(11)One representative of a civic association located within the district selected by a
subcommittee formed by the board. Proposed law provides that appointed members serve four-year staggered terms. Provides for the
filling of vacancies in the same manner as the original appointment. Requires the board to elect from
its members a chairman, a vice chairman, a secretary-treasurer, and such other officers as it may
deem necessary. Requires members to serve without compensation but authorizes the board to
reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred in the performance of his duties.
Proposed law provides that the district, through the board, shall have and exercise all powers of a
political subdivision necessary or convenient for the carrying out of its objects and purposes,
including but not limited to the following:
(1)To sue and be sued.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3)To adopt bylaws and rules and regulations.
(4)To receive by gift, grant, donation, or otherwise any sum of money, property, aid, or
assistance from the U.S., the state, or any political subdivision thereof, or any person, firm,
or corporation.
(5)To enter into contracts, agreements, or cooperative endeavors with the state and its political
subdivisions or political corporations and with any public or private association, corporation,
business entity, or individual.
(6)To appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their
compensation.
(7)To acquire by purchase, gift, grant, donation, lease, or otherwise such property as may be
necessary or desirable for carrying out the objectives and purposes of the board.
Proposed law provides that the district shall not be deemed to be an instrumentality of the state for
purposes of the state civil service provisions of the state constitution.
Proposed law requires the board to prepare a plan specifying the public improvements, facilities, and
services proposed to be furnished, constructed, or acquired for the district and to conduct public
hearings, publish notice with respect thereto, and disseminate information as it, in the exercise of its
sound discretion, may deem to be appropriate or advisable and in the public interest.
Proposed law provides that any plan may specify and encompass any public services, capital
improvements, and facilities which East Baton Rouge Parish is authorized to undertake, furnish, or
provide under the constitution and laws of the state of La. Provides that such specified public
services, improvements, and facilities shall be special and in addition to all services, improvements,
and facilities which the parish is then furnishing or providing or may then or in the future be
obligated to furnish or provide within the district. Proposed law requires any plan to include an estimate of the annual and total cost of acquiring,
constructing, or providing the services, improvements, or facilities set forth therein. Requires that
any monies received by the district be used exclusively for the development of the district plan.
Requires the board to submit the plan to the parish governing authority and requires the parish
governing authority to review and consider the plan. Provides that the board need not receive
approval of the parish governing authority prior to implementing such plan.
Proposed law provides that all services to be furnished within the district pursuant to any plan finally
and conclusively adopted may be furnished, supplied, and administered by the parish through its
regularly constituted departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and instrumentalities. Provides
that all capital improvements and facilities to be acquired, constructed, or provided within the district
may likewise be so acquired, constructed, or provided by the parish through its regularly constituted
departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and instrumentalities to avoid the duplication of
administrative and management efforts and expense in the implementation of any plan adopted for
the benefit of the district. Authorizes the board to enter into intergovernmental local service
contracts with the parish in order to provide services or provide, construct, or acquire capital
improvements or facilities.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:2740.70.2)