The original instrument was prepared by Martha Hess. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Ann S.
Brown.
DIGEST
SB 496 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Ward
Proposed law creates the Capital Area Road and Bridget District as a political subdivision of the
state. The district is being created for the purpose of raising revenue to finance road and bridge
projects to alleviate traffic congestion. The district shall be comprised of all territories within the
geographical boundaries of the parishes of East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Iberville, and
West Baton Rouge.
Proposed law defines, for purposes of proposed law , "bonds", "district" and "road or bridge project".
Proposed law provides that the management and control of the district shall be vested in a board of
commissioners composed of seven members, including the secretary of DOTD or his designee, the
president of each of the parishes in the district or their designees, and one gubernatorial appointee
who shall be a resident of the district and serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Proposed law provides for meetings of the board, the selection of officers, and quorums.
Proposed law provides for the powers of the district, which include the following:
(1)To sue and be sued.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3)To initiate or coordinate research, studies, and gathering of information on the road and
bridge projects.
(4)To be designated an official depository for information relating to and about the road and
bridge projects.
(5)To receive money from any public or private body which may desire to appropriate or donate
such funds to be used to defray the expenses of the district.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to apply for and accept grants or contributions.
Proposed law authorizes the district to create subdistricts. Each subdistrict shall have the same
powers as the district and shall be given a name and designated as "Capital Area Road and Bridge
Subdistrict No.".
Proposed law requires public notice and public hearings when creating a subdistrict. Proposed law provides that the districts shall have all authority granted to parishes to establish,
impose, collect, and enforce tools and issue revenue bonds secured by revenue from the tolls as
provided in present law.
Proposed law provides for the use of revenue raised for costs associated with road or bridge projects.
Proposed law provides that the commission shall have the advice and service of Dept. of
Transportation and Development.
Proposed law provides that the district shall comply with present law pertaining to open meetings,
public records, fiscal agents, official journals, dual office holding and employment, public bidding
for the purpose of supplies and materials, and the Code of Governmental Ethics.
Proposed law further provides that the district is permitted to use alternative competitive
procurement and delivery methods for the award of any contracts for a major road and bridge project.
Proposed law regarding financing of road and bridge projects, authorizes the district to:
(1)Levy ad valorem taxes not to exceed 5 mills.
(2)Issue bonds.
(3)Impose a parcel fee not to exceed an annual fee of $500 per parcel.
(4)Levy a sales and use tax not to exceed 1%.
Proposed law provides that the levy of ad valorem taxes, bonds, imposition of a parcel fee and the
levy of a sale and use tax are subject to approval of the voters in each parish comprising the district.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 48:771-780)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Makes similar to SB362 of the 2018 Regular Session, but this bill has different
membership and the ability to create subdistricts.