The original instrument was prepared by Michael Bell. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Martha Hess.
DIGEST
SB 201 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Mizell
Present law establishes the Washington Parish Reservoir District. Provides that the district shall be
a political subdivision of the state and shall be comprised of the area of Washington Parish.
Present law provides that the district's purpose is to develop the wealth and natural resources of the
district by conserving soil and water for agricultural, recreational, commercial, industrial, and
sanitary purposes. Provides that the district shall create and maintain lakes and reservoirs and engage
in economic development.
Present law provides that the district shall constitute a body corporate and shall have the authority
to sue and be sued, buy and sell, levy taxes, negotiate and execute contracts, and incur debt and issue
negotiable bonds.
Present law provides that the district shall be exempt from taxation. Authorizes the district to
cooperate and contract with the federal or state government or any department or agency for the
construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities.
Present law provides that the district is governed by a board of 11 commissioners, appointed by the
governor subject to Senate confirmation, who shall be qualified electors of the state residing within
Washington Parish.
Present law prohibits any person or corporation from erecting any dam or reservoir upon any
watercourse which will affect the district without the approval of the board of commissioners.
Provides for penalties of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than
60 days, or both.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Proposed law provides that prior to September 1, 2019, the board of commissioners shall take all
appropriate actions to collect any funds due and owing to the district and to pay or satisfy any
obligations and liabilities of the district. Further provides that all property, immovable or movable,
shall be transferred to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Any monies transferred
to the Department shall be deposited into the Louisiana State Parks Improvement and Repair Fund
to be used, subject to legislative appropriation, for the Bogue Chitto State Park for expanding
recreation.
Proposed law provides that the Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
conduct a town hall meeting no later than August 1, 2020, in Washington Parish with the legislative
delegation for Washington Parish to determine what are the best options for expansion of recreation for Washington Parish at Bogue Chitto State Park.
Provisions requiring transfer of property to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. Repeal of the
Washington Parish Reservoir District effective September 1, 2019.
(Repeals R.S. 36:509(S) and R.S. 38:3087.191-3087.206)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the original bill
1. Requires the District to collect any funds due to the District and to pay any
obligations owing to the District prior to September 1, 2019.
2. Provides that the District will transfer any remaining property to the Department of
Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
3. Provides that any monies transferred to the Department shall be deposited into the
Louisiana State Parks Improvement and Repair Fund to be used, subject to legislative
appropriation, for the Bogue Chitto State Park for expanding recreation.
4. Changes effective date.