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 208 Original 2019 Regular Session Brass
Abstract: Creates an educational facilities improvement district in each school district.
Present law creates an educational facilities improvement district in the school districts in the
parishes of Tangipahoa, Livingston, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Webster, Jefferson,
Lafayette, Sabine, DeSoto, Red River, Richland, Morehouse, Madison, Tensas, Natchitoches, Winn,
East Carroll, West Carroll, LaSalle, Grant, Caldwell, Franklin, Ouachita, Bienville, and St. Landry
and in the cities of Monroe and Baker with the authority to levy a sales tax of not more than 1%,
subject to voter approval, and to issue bonds secured by such tax to aid school districts in
acquisition, construction, and maintenance of facilities, property, and equipment.
Proposed law retains present law except creates such improvement districts in each school district
statewide.
Present law provides that such districts shall have boundaries coterminous with the school district.
Present law provides that such districts are created for purposes of assisting school boards to
purchase, construct, or improve school buildings and other school-related facilities; acquire
necessary or desirable equipment and furnishings therefor; repair, maintain, and rehabilitate existing
school-related facilities; acquire or improve lands for building sites, playgrounds, and other school-
related areas, title to which shall be vested in the public, and to maintain such facilities; to provide
funding for other matters for which school boards are authorized by law to expend funds; and
generally to assist school boards experiencing financial difficulties regarding capital facilities or
other needs.
Present law provides for governance of such districts by a board of at least 5 directors (the number
to be determined by the respective school board) and provides for the terms, selection of officers,
domicile, and a place or places for meetings. Provides that directors shall serve without
compensation but may receive reimbursement of expenses at a rate not to exceed the rate for state
employees.
Present law authorizes a district to fund sales tax revenues into bonds in accordance with present
law.
Proposed law retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 33:2740.37(B)(1) and (F))