SSHB295 552 5279
HOUSE SUMMARY OF SENATE AMENDMENTS
HB 295 2024 Regular Session Jackson
DISTRICTS/ECONOMIC DEVEL: Creates the Shreveport I-20 Economic Development
District
Synopsis of Senate Amendments
1.Excludes certain pathways from the district's boundaries.
2.Reduces the board membership from seven to five by removing one
appointment granted to each member of the La. House and Senate.
3.Makes board appointments subject to senate confirmation.
4.Provides that the district's bylaws are subject to approval by certain La. Senate
members.
5.Provides that the district has no taxing power.
6.Provides that the district has no power with respect to the planning and
operation of the I-49 inner city connector or the Amtrak high speed rail.
7.Provides that proposed law is effective until Aug. 1, 2029.
Digest of Bill as Finally Passed by Senate
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.
Provides that certain pathways, including existing pathways of Interstate 49, shall be
excluded from the district's boundaries.
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.
Provides that appointed members are subject to senate confirmation and serve three-year
staggered terms.
Provides relative to the powers and duties of the district, including the following:
(1)To sue and be sued.
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(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.
(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's bylaws are subject to approval of La. senators
representing district nos. 36, 38, and 39.
Proposed law provides that the district has no power of taxation. Additionally provides that
the district has no power with respect to 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.
Proposed law provides that the provisions of proposed law are effective until Aug. 1, 2029.
(Adds R.S. 33:2740.70.6)
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