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 398 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Provides relative to the powers and duties of persons employed as officers by New
Orleans City Park or a non profit manager of the park.
Proposed law provides that persons who are employed as officers by New Orleans City Park or a
nonprofit manager of the park and are responsible for maintaining general order and exercising
police power within the jurisdiction of the park shall be designated as City Park police officers.
Proposed law provides that each person named as a police officer by the president and chief
executive officer of City Park shall be commissioned as a City Park police officer by the Dept. of
Public Safety and Corrections. Provides further that City Park police officers may also be
commissioned by the New Orleans Police Dept. Requires such officers to receive applicable training
in accordance with the Peace Officers Standards and Training law.
Proposed law provides that City Park police officers shall have the right to carry concealed weapons
and to exercise the power of arrest within the grounds and jurisdiction of the park and on all streets,
roads, and rights-of-way to the extent they are within or contiguous to the perimeter of the park.
Proposed law requires each City Park police officer to execute a bond in the amount of $10,000 in
favor of the state for the faithful performance of his duties and further requires that the premium on
the bond be paid by the park.
Proposed law provides that all fines and fees generated through the enforcement of park rules shall
be retained by the park or the non-profit manager of the park.
Proposed law provides that a City Park police officer may, if authorized by the chief executive
officer of the park, discharge his duties off the grounds of the park as follows:
(1)When transporting an arrested person in furtherance of his duties.
(2)When transporting money, securities, or other valuables on behalf of the park.
(3)When engaging in intelligence gathering related to the performance of duties.
(4)When investigating a crime committed on park grounds.
(5)While providing security or protective services for visiting dignitaries, honored guests or executives on or off park grounds.
(Adds R.S. 33:4558.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Remove provisions that require persons employed as full-time City Park police officers
to complete a sexual assault awareness training program as provided by the Council on
Peace Officer Standards and Training pursuant to present law.
2. Add provisions that require any person commissioned as a City Park police officer to
meet all training requirements of a peace officer as defined in present law.