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 139 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Stefanski
Abstract: Provides for administrative adjudication of certain ordinance violations in Acadia Parish.
Present law (R.S. 13:2575) authorizes municipalities and parishes to prescribe civil fines for
violations of certain types of ordinances, including housing ordinances. Present law defines the term
"housing violation" as only those conditions in privately owned structures which are determined to
constitute a threat or danger to the public health, safety, or welfare or to the environment or a historic
district. Present law further provides that in municipalities with a population of 70,000 or more, and
in other specified parishes and municipalities, the term also encompasses building codes, zoning,
vegetation, and nuisance ordinances.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally provides that in Acadia Parish the term "housing
violation" also encompasses building codes, zoning, vegetation, and nuisance ordinances.
Present law authorizes municipalities and parishes to adopt ordinances establishing an administrative
adjudication procedure for holding hearings related to present law violations.
Additionally authorizes certain parishes and municipalities to use administrative adjudication
procedures in matters involving licensing, permits, and other ordinance violations that may be
determined by the respective parish or municipal governing authority.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally authorizes Acadia Parish to use administrative
adjudication procedures in matters involving licensing, permits, and other ordinance violations that
may be determined by the parish governing authority. Authorizes any owner or mortgagee of record
of property determined to be blighted or abandoned, or any party determined by a hearing officer to
be in violation of an ordinance enacted pursuant to present law or proposed law, to appeal the
determination to the appropriate district court.
(Adds R.S. 13:2575.10)