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 259 Reengrossed 2017 Regular Session Zeringue
Abstract: Authorizes the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority and the Iberia
Parish Levee, Hurricane, and Conservation District to levy up to a five-mill annual property
tax without a vote of the people.
Present constitution authorizes levee districts created prior to Jan. 1, 2006, to levy an annual
property tax of up to five mills, except that the Orleans Levee District may only levy up to a two and
one-half mill tax.
Present constitution authorizes levee districts created after Jan. 1, 2006, to levy an annual property
tax only if approved by a majority of electors of the district. Further, present constitution requires
that if the district is comprised of more than one parish, the tax must be approved by a majority of
electors in each parish.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution but adds authorization for the
Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority and the Iberia Parish Levee, Hurricane,
and Conservation District to levy an annual property tax of up to five mills without a vote of the
people just as those districts created prior to Jan. 1, 2006.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held
on Oct. 14, 2017.
(Amends Const. Art. VI, ยง39)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Ways and Means to the original
bill:
1. Limit the authority to levy a property tax of up to five mills without a vote of the people
to the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority, the Iberia Parish
Levee, Hurricane, and Conservation District, and the St. Tammany Levee, Drainage, and
Conservation District.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Delete authority for the governing authority of the St. Tammany Levee, Drainage, and Conservation District to levy the annual tax without voter approval.
2. Update ballot language.