RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 352 (HB 780) 2022 Regular Session Magee
New 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.
New 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 one member who is a
representative of a nonprofit organization involved with historic preservation in
Houma.
(8)The member of the Terrebonne Parish governing authority whose council district
includes all or the greater portion of the district shall appoint one member.
New 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.
New 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.
New 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 (June 10, 2022). (Adds R.S. 33:4709.31)