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 553 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Jimmy Harris
Abstract: Relative to the Lower Ninth Ward Economic Development District in Orleans Parish,
changes the membership of the governing board and the qualifications of board members.
Present law creates the Lower Ninth Ward Economic Development District in Orleans Parish as a
political subdivision of the state to plan and facilitate the revitalization of the residential and
commercial areas within the district.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that the district is governed by a nine-member board of commissioners
appointed as follows:
(1)One member appointed by the senator representing District No. 2.
(2)One member appointed by the state representative representing District No. 99.
(3)One member appointed by the mayor of the city of New Orleans.
(4)One member appointed by the city council member representing Council District E.
(5)Four members appointed by the Lower Ninth Ward Economic Development Foundation.
(6)One member appointed by the Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood Council.
Proposed law instead provides that the district is governed by an 11-member board of commissioners
appointed as follows:
(1)Two members appointed by the state representative for the House of Representatives district
encompassing all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(2)Two members appointed by the state senator for the Senate district encompassing all or the
greater portion of the area of the district.
(3)Two members appointed by the mayor of the city of New Orleans.
(4)Two members appointed by the city council member whose district encompasses all or a greater portion of the area of the district.
(5)One member appointed by the governing board of the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association.
(6)Two members appointed by the Table Connect Group.
Present law requires each board member to be a qualified voter of Orleans Parish and have his
principal place of business or profession in, or own property in, the district. Provides that board
members serve two year terms and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Proposed law instead requires each board member to be a resident and qualified voter of Orleans
Parish. Provides that board members serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Present law requires the board to prepare a development plan or plans, specifying the public
improvements, facilities, and services proposed to be furnished, constructed, or acquired for the
district. Authorizes the board to conduct hearings, publish notices, and disseminate information with
respect to the development plan.
Proposed law retains present law except requires rather than authorizes the board to conduct
hearings, publish notices, and disseminate information with respect to the development plan.
Proposed law provides that the terms of the board members in office on the effective date of
proposed law terminate on that date; however, the members must remain in office until the board
members appointed as provided in proposed law take office.
(Amends R.S. 33:2740.54(B)(1), (2), and (3) and (D)(1))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill:
1. Add provisions changing the qualifications of board members.