RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 357 (HB 323) 2019 Regular Session James
New 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.
New 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 Metropolitan
Council whose district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the
district.
(6)One member appointed by the mayor-president of the city of Baton Rouge and East
Baton Rouge Parish.
Requires members serve without compensation and without reimbursement of expenses.
New law provides relative to the powers and duties of the district.
New 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 be determined by the board and may not be more
than $100 per parcel per year.
New law provides that the fee shall expire 10 years after its initial levy but authorizes
renewal of the fee. 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.
New law provides that the district shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with existing
law (R.S. 39:1301 et seq.) and shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor's office.
New law provides that the intent of new 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 new law shall cease.
Effective upon signature of the governor (June 11, 2019).
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.30)