RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 329 (HB 406) 2019 Regular Session Ivey
New law creates the Fairwood 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 five-member board of
commissioners, all of whom shall own property in and be residents and qualified voters of
the district, composed as follows:
(1)One member appointed by the board of directors of the Country Ridge Homeowners
Assoc.
(2)One member appointed by the board of directors of the Fairwood Estates
Homeowners Assoc.
(3)One member appointed by the board of directors of the Sherwood Manor
Homeowners Assoc.
(4)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.
(5)One member appointed by the member of the La. Senate whose district encompasses
all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
Provides that board members serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for
reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the governance of the district, not to
exceed $100 per year.
New law provides relative to the powers and duties of the district.
New law authorizes the district, subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel fee.
Provides that the amount of the fee shall not be more than $100 per residential parcel per
year and $500 per commercial parcel per year. Requires that the fee not exceed $40 per
residential parcel during the 1st year and $200 per commercial parcel during the 1st year.
Requires that a fee be imposed on each parcel located within the district.
New law provides that the fee shall expire 15 years after its initial levy but authorizes
renewal of the fee. Provides that the term of the imposition of the fee shall be as provided
in the proposition authorizing such renewal, not to exceed 15 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
tax collector 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 tax collector authorizing the tax
collector 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.
New law provides for indemnification of board members by the district and limits board
member liability for acts or omissions arising out of the performance of a member's duties.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 11, 2019). (Adds R.S. 33:9097.30)