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 544 Original 2024 Regular Session Boyd
Abstract: Provides for solutions for the Regional Transit Authority.
Present law requires the board of commissioners of the authority be composed of three members
from each participating parish appointed by the chief executive officer of that parish, subject to the
approval of its governing authority.
Proposed law changes the approval from the governing authority to the city council.
Present law specifies that each member appointed by the chief executive officer of a parish must be
domiciled within that parish.
Proposed law adds to present law additional qualifications for the board of commissioners and
members. Specifies that each member appointed must possess minium transit expertise standards
and required training. Further specifies the transit minimum standards to be established by Jan. 1,
2025, and will apply to all newly appointed commissioners. Grants the City Council of New Orleans
authority to recall and confirm members of the board.
Present law grants authority to make and execute all contracts and other instruments necessary or
convenient, including the power to contract for managerial and operating services.
Proposed law makes authority in present law contingent on management and labor attempting to
resolve all contracts bilaterally before involving a mediator.
Proposed law specifies that quarterly reporting of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) funds is
required, and establishes penalties for when the RTA breaks city and state laws.
Proposed law provides the power to establish and address situations where the RTA violates state
and city laws and establish penalties.
Proposed law creates an investigative committee for probe waste, bid rigging, abuse of employees,
and labor law violations.
(Amends R.S. 48:1655(A)(1)(intro. para.) and (2) and 1658(8) and (23); Adds R.S. 48:1656(24)-
(27))