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 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Boyd
Abstract: Provides relative to the membership and certain powers of the Regional Transit Authority
Board. Creates the Regional Transit Authority Advisory board and provides for its purpose,
composition, and powers.
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.
Present law specifies that each member appointed by the chief executive officer of a parish must be
domiciled within that parish.
Present law requires that one member be appointed from House District 102 by the state
representative representing the district beginning on Sept. 1, 2024, and specifies that the
appointment rotates every four years between the members appointed from the house district and a
member appointed from Senate District 7 by the state senator representing the district.
Proposed law adds additional qualifications to present law for the board of commissioners and
members. Specifies that each member appointed must possess minium transit expertise standards,
the required training, and have previous union experience. Further specifies that the transit
minimum standards 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 gives the authority the power to probe waste, bid rigging, abuse of employees, and labor law violations.
Proposed law creates the Regional Transit Authority Advisory board and provides for its purpose,
composition, and powers.
Proposed law specifies that the advisory board is created to assist and advise the RTA and make
recommendations to make informed decisions regarding the functions outlined in present law.
Proposed law specifies that the advisory board does not have the power to vote on any matters
decided on by the board of commissioners. Requires the advisory board is to meet quarterly with
the board of commissioners.
Proposed law requires the advisory board be composed of nine persons as follows:
(1)An employee of the Regional Transit Authority appointed by the chief executive
officer.
(2)A member of the Amalgamated Transit Union appointed by the president and
business agent.
(3) A member from the Downtown Development District appointed by the executive
director.
(4)The president of each of the following universities: Loyola University, Tulane
University, Xavier University, Dillard University, Southern University at New
Orleans, and the University of Holy Cross
(Amends R.S. 48:1655(A)(1)(introductory paragraph) and (2) and 1658(8) and (23); Adds R.S.
48:1656(24)-(26) and 1656.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Revert back to present law by changing the approval authority from the city council to
the parish's governing authority.
3. Remove the two members to be appointed from submissions by the parish's legislative
delegation.
4. Add two members to the Regional Transit Authority board of commissioners as follows:
(a) one member appointed from House District 102 by the state representative who
represents the district and (b) one member appointed from Senate District 7 by the state senator who represents the district.
5. Add a requirement that each member appointed to the authority possess previous union
experience.
6. Remove a provision that would have required the powers of the Regional Transit
Authority board of commissioners to include at least one designated representative from
the authority's non-management labor force.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Add one member to the Regional Transit Authority board of commissioners to be
appointed from House District 102 by the state representative representing the district to
begin on September 1, 2024, and requires the appointment to rotate every four years
between a member appointed from the house district and a member appointed from
Senate District 7 by the state senator representing the district.
3. Remove a provision that would have required two members of the Regional Transit
Authority board of commissioners as follows: (a) one member appointed from House
District 102 by the state representative who represents the district and (b) one member
appointed from Senate District 7 by the state senator who represents the district.