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 323 Original 2019 Regular Session James
Abstract: Creates the Monticello Crime Prevention and Improvement District in East Baton Rouge
Parish. Provides for the district's boundaries, purpose, governance, and funding, including
the authority to impose a parcel fee.
Proposed law creates the Monticello Crime Prevention and Improvement District in East Baton
Rouge Parish for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the beautification, security, and
betterment of the district. Provides for district boundaries.
Proposed law provides that the district shall be governed by a seven-member board of
commissioners, all of whom shall be residents and qualified voters of the district, composed as
follows:
(1)The president of the Monticello Citizens Assoc. (association).
(2)Two members appointed by the board of directors of the association.
(3)One member appointed by the member of the La. House of Representatives whose district
encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(4)One member appointed by the member of the La. Senate whose district encompasses all or
the greater portion of the area of the district.
(5)One member appointed by the member of the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council whose
district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(6)One member appointed by the mayor-president of East Baton Rouge.
Proposed law provides that members serve without compensation and without reimbursement of
expenses.
Proposed law provides relative to the powers and duties of the district.
Proposed law authorizes the governing authority of the city of Baton Rouge, parish of East Baton
Rouge, subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district. Provides that
the amount of the fee shall not be more than $100 per parcel per year. Requires that the fee be
imposed on each parcel located within the district. Proposed law defines "parcel" as a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, an individual tract, or a
"condominium parcel" as defined in present law (R.S. 9:1121.103).
Proposed law provides that the fee shall expire 10 years after its initial levy but authorizes renewal
of that fee. Provides that the term of the imposition of the fee shall be as provided in the proposition
authorizing such renewal, not to exceed 10 years. Further provides that the fee shall be collected at
the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes and that any unpaid fee shall be added
to the parish tax rolls and enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties and
procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes. Requires the sheriff to remit amounts collected to the district
not later than 60 days after collection, but authorizes the board to enter into a contract with the
sheriff authorizing the sheriff to retain a collection fee.
Proposed law provides that the district shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with present law
(R.S. 39:1301 et seq.) and shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor's office.
Proposed law provides that the intent of proposed law is to enhance the law enforcement personnel
and services provided by the city and not to be in lieu of such services. Further provides that if the
district ceases to exist, all of its funds shall be transmitted to the governing authority of the parish
of East Baton Rouge and shall be used for law enforcement purposes in the area formerly comprising
the district. Further provides that upon dissolution of the district, the authority to levy the parcel fee
provided for in proposed law shall cease.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.30)