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 629 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Jones
Abstract: Creates a municipal consortium, comprised of certain municipalities and Indian tribes
that choose to participate, to promote goods produced by business enterprises owned and
operated by residents of each participating municipality or members of each participating
Indian tribe.
Proposed law creates a municipal consortium consisting of municipalities with a population of not
more than 35,000 persons and Indian tribes that choose to participate. Provides that the purpose of
the consortium is to promote goods produced by business enterprises owned and operated by
residents of each participating municipality or tribe.
Proposed law provides that the consortium will be governed by a board of directors whose
membership will be comprised of one member appointed by the governing authority of each
participating municipality or tribe.
Proposed law provides that the powers and duties of the consortium include the following:
(1)To develop a centralized market place, website, or other mechanism for facilitating the sale
of locally produced goods to customers.
(2)To expend donated funds.
(3)To enter contracts and agreements.
(4)To apply for and receive grant funding.
(5)To adopt bylaws to govern its affairs and activities.
Proposed law authorizes the consortium to solicit and accept voluntary contributions and grants to
further its purposes.
Proposed law prohibits the consortium from levying any tax, fee, or assessment on any member
municipality.
(Adds R.S. 33:9711)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Provide that the consortium includes only municipalities and tribes that choose to
participate.
2. Provide for governance of the consortium by one person representing each participating
municipality and tribe rather than by a board that included two legislators, two
representatives of Indian tribes, and was otherwise comprised as provided by municipal
ordinance.
3. Provide that purposes of the district are focused on selling products produced by local
companies.
4. Remove certain powers of the consortium, including the power to sue and be sued and
to incur debt, and add certain other powers including power to develop a centralized
market place, website, or other mechanism for facilitating the sale of locally produced
goods to customers
5. Add prohibition on taxes, fees, and assessments.