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 816 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Jones
Abstract: Changes the title designation of officers on the Port of South Louisiana Commission.
Provides an option for exemption to the Public Records Law for records pertaining to an
active negotiation, if confidentiality is requested by a person negotiating with the port and
subsequently approved by the executive director of the Port of South La. Commission.
Present law requires the Port of South La. commissioners elect from among its own members a
president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer.
Proposed law changes the title of president to chairman and also changes the title of vice president
to vice chairman.
Proposed law defines "active negotiation" or "negotiation that remains active" as a negotiation which
has commenced when the Port of South La. provides a response to a request for information or other
similar document from a person who is requesting assistance in the retention, expansion, or location
of a business in the port district and which is not concluded.
Proposed law provides an exception to R.S. 44:31, 32, and 33, for records pertaining to an active
negotiation if requested by a person negotiating with the port and subsequently approved by the
executive director of the port's commission, with the executive director including his reasoning for
the determination. Further provides that upon conclusion of the negotiation the exemption will no
longer apply.
Proposed law specifies that a negotiation is not considered an "active negotiation" or "negotiation
that remains active" when either of the following occurs: the Port of South La. decides to no longer
actively pursue the retention, expansion, or location of such business in the port district; the person
with whom the port was negotiating decides not to pursue the retention, expansion, or location of
such business in the port district; or a proposal affecting the negotiation is submitted to the Port of
South La. Commission for consideration by the commission in a public meeting.
(Amends R.S. 34:2472(A); Adds R.S. 34:2476.1(C))