RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 339 (HB 129) 2023 Regular Session Wilford Carter
Prior law created the Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority to provide for the
utilization of appropriate private and public resources to eliminate and prevent the
development or spread of slum, blighted, and distressed areas. Provided that the authority
was a special district and political subdivision of the state. Provided that the authority was
comprised of specified territory in the city of Lake Charles.
Prior law provided that the authority was governed by a five-member board of
commissioners (board) comprised of members appointed by the state representative for
House District No. 34, the state senator for Senate District No. 27, the mayor of the city of
Lake Charles, and the member(s) of the governing authority of Calcasieu Parish and the city
of Lake Charles who represent the area included within the jurisdiction of the authority.
Provided further with respect to the qualifications of board members.
Prior law required members of the board to serve without compensation, but authorized the
board to reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred in the performance of duties
on behalf of the authority.
Prior law required that all actions of the board be approved by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the members present and voting. Provided however, that no action of the board
could be authorized on specified matters unless approved by a majority of the total board
membership. Additionally required that certain specified actions or proposals of the
authority be submitted to the governing authority of the city of Lake Charles and authorized
the governing authority to reject any such action or proposal upon two-thirds vote of its
membership.
Prior law granted the authority all powers necessary or convenient to carry out its objectives
and purposes. Authorized the authority to incur debt for the acquisition and operation of
authority property and to provide for the manner and method of repayment in accordance
with law.
Prior law authorized the authority to issue revenue bonds to finance a redevelopment project,
or otherwise to acquire, purchase, lease, construct, or improve housing, residential
development, subdivision development, commercial, research, industrial, or other plant sites
and buildings, or other capital improvements.
Prior law authorized the authority to purchase adjudicated properties within its jurisdiction
from any political subdivision of the state. Provided that no such purchase could be
construed to, or otherwise have the effect of, extending or suspending the period prescribed
by law for the redemption of the property.
Prior law authorized the authority to create and execute redevelopment or development plans
for specified areas within its jurisdiction.
Prior law authorized the authority to sell, lease, or otherwise transfer immovable property.
Prior law authorized the authority to temporarily operate, maintain, or lease real property
acquired by it in a redevelopment area for or in connection with a redevelopment project
pending disposition of the property for such uses and purposes even though not in connection
with the redevelopment plan.
Prior law authorized the authority to, in the implementation of a redevelopment plan, create
a subdistrict(s) to conduct, oversee, or assist in the implementation of such redevelopment
plan. Provided that the boundaries of such a subdistrict could include all or part of the
redevelopment area and provided that such a subdistrict would have and exercise such
powers and responsibilities as the authority specified in the enabling resolution. Provided
that unless otherwise specified in the resolution or other formal act creating the subdistrict,
the board members of the authority would constitute the governing authority of the
subdistrict. Prior law authorized all persons and entities carrying on a banking or investment business
to invest funds in any bonds or other obligations issued by the authority.
Prior law further provided for an expedited procedure to enable the authority to more
efficiently quiet title and initiate a foreclosure action regarding immovable property acquired
by the authority.
New law repeals prior law. Requires that all property of the authority be transferred to the
North Lake Charles Economic Development District.
Effective upon effectiveness of House Bill No. 335 of the 2023 R.S. (August 1, 2023).
(Repeals R.S. 33:4720.191)