The original instrument was prepared by Michael Bell. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Ann S.
Brown.
DIGEST
SB 137 Reengrossed 2016 Regular Session Barrow
Present law provides for certain boundaries of the Baton Rouge North Economic Development
District.
Proposed law changes the boundaries of the Baton Rouge North Economic Development District to
expand the boundaries to include a more northwest portion of East Baton Rouge Parish.
Present law provides for the board to consist of 13 members which includes a branch manager of a
bank located within the district to be selected by a subcommittee formed by the board.
Proposed law retains present law except changes one of the board members from a branch manager
of a bank located within the district to be selected by a subcommittee formed by the board to one
urban designer or community developer to be selected by a subcommittee formed by the board.
Proposed law provides for the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish to levy and collect
a two percent rent or fee charged for the occupancy of hotel rooms located within the boundaries of
the district. Proposed law further provides that the tax is imposed by ordinance adopted by the
governing authority.
Proposed law provides for the Baton Rouge North Economic Development District to use the
proceeds of the tax for any of the district's lawful purposes and as provided by the ordinance
dedicating the proceeds. Provides that collection shall not begin earlier than Sept. 1, 2016.
Proposed law provides for a 2% hotel occupancy tax in East Baton Rouge Parish while exempting
the municipalities of Baker, Central, or Zachary and the areas within the Baton Rouge North
Economic Development District.
Proposed law provides that the ordinance levying and imposing the hotel occupancy tax may be
approved by a favorable vote of a majority of the members of the governing authority and that
collection shall not begin earlier than Sept. 1, 2016.
Proposed law provides that after deduction of reasonable collection expenses, fifty percent of the
funds shall be used to fund the Baton Rouge River Center and fifty percent to fund Visit Baton
Rouge.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 33:2740.67(B) and (C)(1)(j); adds R.S. 33:2740.67(G) and R.S. 47:338.217) Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs to
the original bill
1. Changes boundaries of district.
2. Adds authorization of a hotel tax.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Adds authorization for a 2% hotel occupancy tax in East Baton Rouge Parish.