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 499 Original 2023 Regular Session Gaines
Abstract: Creates the River Parishes Economic Sustainability District.
Proposed law creates the River Parishes Economic Sustainability District (district) as a body politic
and political subdivision of the state of La.
Proposed law provides that the district is established for the primary object and purpose of promoting
and encouraging environmentally sustainable development to stimulate the economy through
commerce, technologies, industry, and research.
Proposed law provides that the boundaries of the district will be coterminous with the boundaries
of St James, St. John the Baptist, and St. Charles parishes.
Proposed law provides that the district will be governed by a board of commissioners comprised of
the following eighteen members:
(1)The governor or his designee.
(2)The chairman of the Port of South La. or his designee.
(3)A representative of the local governing authority for St. James Parish, appointed by the local
governing authority.
(4)A representative of the local governing authority for St. John the Baptist Parish, appointed
by the local governing authority.
(5)A representative of the local governing authority for St. Charles Parish, appointed by the
local governing authority.
(6)One member appointed by the president of Tulane University and specializing in
environmental sustainability.
(7)The president of the Southern University System or his designee.
(8)The chancellor of the River Parishes Community College or his designee.
(9)One member appointed by the state senator for Senate District 2. (10)One member appointed by the state senator for Senate District 18.
(11)One member appointed by the state senator for Senate District 19.
(12)The executive director of the River Region Chamber of Commerce or his designee, which
may include a private sector representative of the banking industry.
(13)The executive director of the River Parishes Tourist Commission or his designee.
(14)The president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. or his designee.
(15)A private sector representative of the maritime community appointed by the Port of South
La.
(16)A private sector representative of the hospitality industry appointed by the River Parishes
Tourist Commission.
(17)A representative from New Orleans & Company appointed by New Orleans & Company.
(18)The secretary of La. Economic Development or his designee as an ex officio, nonvoting
member.
Proposed law provides for the terms of board members, vacancies on the board, compensation of
board members, ethical prohibitions, election of officers, and the hiring of a district director.
Proposed law establishes the rights and powers of the district, including:
(1)To sue and be sued.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3)To acquire property by means other than expropriation and to hold and use any franchise or
property for carrying out the objects and purposes of the district, including but not limited
to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of a board office and research facility.
(4)To enter into contracts for the purchase, acquisition, construction, and improvement of works
and facilities.
(5)To incur debt and to issue bonds, certificates, notes, and other evidence of indebtedness.
(6)To regulate the imposition of fees and rentals charged by the district for its facilities and
services rendered by it.
(7)To borrow money and pledge all or part of its revenues, leases, rents, or other advantages as
security for such loans. (8)To appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their
compensation.
(9)To seek, apply for, and receive donations, financial assistance, or public or private grants or
investors.
(10)To create and operate tourism recovery and improvement districts.
(11)To enter into agreements with other governmental agencies to further the mission of the
district.
(12)To enter into public private partnerships when necessary to carry out the mission of the
district.
(13)To lend or distribute funds through a revolving loan or grant program in accordance with
applicable laws.
(14)To contract for professional services, including economic and business consultation,
accounting and audit services, legal services, and related regional industrial development
consultation.
Proposed law provides that the district will be subject to laws regarding to open meetings, public
records, fiscal agents, official journals, dual officeholding and employment, public bid law, the Code
of Governmental Ethics, the right to property, and the La. Election Code.
Proposed law authorizes the district to adopt a program for preferential treatment and set-asides for
businesses owned and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged persons.
Proposed law requires that the financial records of the district be subjected to audit by the legislative
auditor.
(Adds R.S. 33:130.881-130.886)