GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 295 2024 Regular Session Jackson
DISTRICTS/ECONOMIC DEVEL: Creates the Shreveport I-20 Economic
Development District.
DIGEST
Proposed law creates the Shreveport I-20 Economic Development District as a political
subdivision of the state to provide for cooperative economic development within the district.
Proposed law provides for the boundaries of the district. Provides that the pathways of I-49
shall be excluded from the boundaries of the district.
Proposed law provides that the district is governed by a five-member board of commissioners
composed as follows:
(1)One member appointed by the member of the La. Senate whose district encompasses
all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(2)One member appointed by the member of the La. House of Rep. whose district
encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(3)One member appointed by the governing board of the Greater Shreveport Chamber
of Commerce.
(4)One member appointed by the governing board of the Shreveport-Bossier African
American Chamber of Commerce.
(5)The mayor of the city of Shreveport or his designee.
Proposed law provides that members appointed by the members of the La. Senate and La.
House of Rep. shall serve three year terms. Two members shall serve a one-year initial term,
one member shall serve two-year initial terms, and one shall serve three-year initial terms.
Proposed law provides that the member appointed by the mayor shall serve during his term
of office.
Proposed law provides that the bylaws shall be subject to approval of the Senators
representing Districts 31, 36, 38 and 39 prior to being adopted by the board.
Proposed law provides that appointed members serve staggered three-year terms.
Proposed law provides relative to the powers and duties of the district, including the
following:
(1)To sue and be sued.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3)To acquire by gift, grant, purchase, or lease, all property, including servitudes or
rights-of-way.
(4)To receive by gift, grant, or donation, any sum of money, or property, aid, or
assistance from the U.S., the state of La., or any political subdivision thereof, or any
person, firm, or corporation.
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Prepared by James Benton. (5)To enter into contracts for the purchase, lease, acquisition, construction,
maintenance, and improvement of works and facilities necessary in connection with
the purposes of the district.
(6)To regulate the imposition of fees and rentals charged by the district for its facilities
and for services rendered by it.
(7)To appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their
compensation.
Proposed law provides that the district may enter into cooperative endeavor agreements.
Proposed law provides that the district shall have no power of taxation.
Proposed law provides that the district shall have no power with respect to any decision
regarding the planning and operation of the I-49 inner city connector or the Amtrak high
speed rail.
Proposed law requires the board to prepare a plan(s) specifying public improvements,
facilities, and services proposed to be furnished, constructed, or acquired which may be
improvements, facilities, and services the town is authorized to provide pursuant to the
constitution and laws of the state.
Proposed law requires the board to conduct hearings and disseminate information as it deems
appropriate or advisable. Requires that any plan developed by the board include an estimate
of the annual and total cost of acquiring, constructing, or providing the services,
improvements, or facilities.
Proposed law authorizes all state officers and agencies to render services to the district within
their respective functions as may be requested by the district. Additionally authorizes the
district and the agencies to enter into contracts, cooperative endeavor agreements, or other
agreements necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of proposed law.
The provisions of proposed law shall be effective until August 1, 2029.
(Adds R.S. 33:2740.70.6)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Local and Municipal
Affairs to the engrossed bill
1. Provides for the boundaries of the district.
2. Changes the number of board members from 7 to 5.
3. Provides that the bylaws shall be subject to approval of the Senators
representing Districts 31, 36, 38 and 39 prior to being adopted by the board.
4. Provides that the district shall have no power of taxation.
5. Provides that the district shall have no power with respect to any decision
regarding the planning and operation of the I-49 inner city connector or the
Amtrak high speed rail.
6. The provisions of proposed law shall terminate August 1, 2029.
7. Makes technical changes.
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Prepared by James Benton.