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 539 Original 2019 Regular Session Marcelle
Abstract: Authorizes certain parishes to provide for tax increment financing.
Proposed law authorizes the governing authority of a parish with a population of more than 435,000
to create an economic development district to provide for cooperative economic and community
development among the district, the parish, the state, and owners of property in the district. Provides
that such a district shall be governed by a board of commissioners that is comprised of the chief
executive of the parish, the pro tempore of the chief executive, the member of the parish governing
authority in whose district the economic development district is wholly or primarily located or the
designees of such officials.
Proposed law provides that the powers and duties of such a district are those of a political
subdivision. Provides that its powers and duties include:
(1)To develop public improvement projects that will result in the redevelopment of property and
the growth of commerce in the district.
(2)To exercise the powers granted to an economic development district established pursuant to
present law. (Present law authorizes such a district to utilize tax increment financing.
Further authorizes a district to levy ad valorem taxes up to five mills, sales taxes up to 2%,
and hotel occupancy taxes up to 2%, all subject to voter approval unless there are no voters
in the district.)
(3)To exercise the powers granted to a community development district established pursuant
present law. (Present law authorizes such a district to finance, construct, and operate various
public facilities and authorizes the levy of special property assessments, based on
proportionate benefit from the facility, to fund such activities.)
(Adds R.S. 33:9038.43)