SSHB115 552 3659
HOUSE SUMMARY OF SENATE AMENDMENTS
HB 115 2021 Regular Session Davis
DISTRICTS/CRIME PREVENT: Creates the Old Goodwood Crime Prevention and
Neighborhood Improvement District in East Baton Rouge Parish
Synopsis of Senate Amendments
1.Amendments are technical.
Digest of Bill as Finally Passed by Senate
Proposed law creates the Old Goodwood Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Improvement
District in East Baton Rouge Parish for the purpose of aiding in crime prevention by
providing increased security for the district residents and promoting the beautification and
overall betterment of the district. Provides for district boundaries.
Proposed law provides that the district shall be governed by a seven-member board of
commissioners, all of whom shall be property owners, residents, and qualified voters of the
district, composed as follows:
(1)Four members appointed by the board of directors of the Goodwood Property Owners
Assoc.
(2)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.
(3)One member appointed by the member of the La. Senate whose district encompasses
all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(4)One member appointed by the member of the governing authority of the city of Baton
Rouge, parish of East Baton Rouge (city-parish) whose district encompasses all or
the greater portion of the area of the district.
Proposed law provides that members serve without compensation but may receive
reimbursement for approved expenses.
Proposed law provides relative to the powers and duties of the district.
Proposed law authorizes the board, subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel
fee within the district. Provides that the maximum fee shall be $150 per year for unimproved
residential parcels and improved single-family residential parcels, and $500 per year for
improved multi-family residential parcels and unimproved and improved commercial
parcels. Provides that the initial parcel fee for the first calendar year shall be $125 for
residential parcels and $400 for commercial parcels. Defines parcel as a lot, a subdivided
portion of ground, an individual tract, or a condominium improved parcel as defined in
present law (R.S. 9:1121.103).
Proposed law provides that if multiple adjacent residential parcels are combined for the
purpose of housing a single-family dwelling, the combined parcel shall constitute a single
improved parcel for the purposes of the imposition of the fee.
Proposed law provides that the fee shall expire 10 years after its initial levy but authorizes
renewal of that fee. Provides that the term of the imposition of the fee shall be as provided
in the proposition authorizing such renewal, not to exceed 10 years.
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Proposed law requires the sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish to collect the fee in the same
manner and at the same time as ad valorem taxes and requires that any unpaid fee 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. Further requires the sheriff to remit to the
district all amounts collected not later than 60 days after collection. Authorizes the board to
enter into an agreement with the sheriff to authorize the sheriff to retain a collection fee.
Proposed law provides that the district shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with
present law (R.S. 39:1301 et seq.) and shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor's
office.
Proposed law provides that it is the purpose and intent of proposed law that the additional
law enforcement personnel and their services provided for through the fees authorized by
proposed law shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of personnel and services provided in
the district by the city-parish.
Proposed law requires, if the district ceases to exist, that the imposition of the parcel fee shall
cease. Additionally requires the transmittal of all district funds to the city-parish. Requires
that such funds together with any other funds collected by the city-parish pursuant to
proposed law be maintained in a separate account by the city-parish. Requires that such
funds be used only to promote, encourage, and enhance the security, beautification, and
overall betterment of the area included in the former district.
Proposed law provides that no board member or officer of the district shall be liable to the
district or to any individual who resides, owns property, visits, or otherwise conducts
business in the district for the monetary damages for breach of his duties as a board member
or officer unless the board member performs an act or omission not in good faith or which
involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or any transaction from which
he or she derives an improper personal benefit.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.33)
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