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 780 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Magee
Abstract: Creates and provides for Houma Restoration District.
Proposed law creates the Houma Restoration District as a political subdivision of the state to provide
for restoration and preservation of the character of the area within the district, to provide opportunity
for cultural events, and to encourage economic development within the district.
Proposed law provides that the district is governed by a board appointed as follows:
(1)The member of the La. House of Representatives whose district includes all or the greater
portion of the restoration district shall appoint one member.
(2)The member of the La. Senate whose district includes all or the greater portion of the
restoration district shall appoint one member.
(3)The president of Terrebonne Parish shall appoint one member.
(4)The governing authority of Terrebonne Parish shall appoint one member.
(5)The board of directors of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce shall appoint one
member.
(6)The governing board of the Houma Downtown Development Corp. shall appoint two
members.
(7)The Houma Historic Preservation District shall appoint two members, one of whom is a
representative of a nonprofit organization involved with historic preservation in Houma.
Proposed law requires the board to prepare or cause to be prepared a plan specifying the layout and
character of development within the district. Provides that the plan shall be adopted by a majority
vote of the full membership of the board, and after the plan has been adopted, it may be altered or
amended only by adoption of a resolution by a majority of the full membership of the board.
Proposed law authorizes the board to:
(1)Accept and receive funds, grants, and services. (2)Undertake public works and operate public facilities that will encourage economic
development within or encourage residents and tourists to visit the district.
(3)Acquire property within the district and enter contracts for lease or conveyance of all or any
part of the property.
(4)Issue certificates of appropriateness regarding any work in the erection of any new building
or in the alteration of, addition to, painting, repainting, or demolishing of any existing
building within the district.
(5)Require approval of signage in the district and adopt guidelines regulating the appearance,
color, size, position, method of attachment, texture of materials, and design of signs.
Proposed law authorizes the district, subject to voter approval, to levy ad valorem taxes and a sales
and use tax not exceeding 1%. Authorizes the district to incur debt and fund tax revenue into bonds.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:4709.31)
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 provision that makes proposed law effective upon signature of governor or lapse of
time for gubernatorial action.