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 565 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Knox
Abstract: Provides relative to construction work on the exterior of historic buildings owned by the
state or a parish or municipality.
Proposed law provides that in addition to all other applicable provisions of law, when the state or
a parish or municipality undertakes restoration, renovation, or other construction work performed
on the exterior of property that is designated as a landmark, located within a historic district, on the
National Register of Historic Places, or a contributing element of a National Register District, the
following also apply:
(1)All such work shall adhere to guidelines and best practices outlined by the state historic
preservation office and the Dept. of the Interior. No such work shall be undertaken on
critical elements of our architectural and cultural heritage without compliance with
preservation guidelines and consultation with qualified preservation professionals.
(2)The entity undertaking the work shall notify the legislators representing the districts in which
the property is located.
(3)The entity undertaking the work shall hold a public hearing to solicit public comment on the
design of and plan for the renovation or other construction.
(4)Following the public hearing, the state agency, parish, or municipality undertaking the work,
the local historic district commission, or a legislator representing the legislative district in
which the property is located may request the opinion of the state historic preservation office
on whether the proposed work is appropriate to the historic building.
(5)The state agency, parish, or municipality undertaking the work shall consider the opinion of
the state historic preservation office prior to beginning the work.
Proposed law provides that proposed law does not apply to routine maintenance, the repair or
replacement of a historic feature with the same or matching material, emergency repairs, or work
required for the public safety.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 25:747) Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill:
1. Limit applicability of proposed law to landmarks and historic districts established
pursuant to specified state or federal laws.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Limit applicability of proposed law to work on the exterior of buildings and exclude
certain other work.
2. Remove proposed law authorizing the state historic preservation officer to issue cease
and desist orders and to impose or seek imposition of fines or penalties.
3. Authorize the local historic district and local legislators to request the opinion of the state
historic preservation officer on whether the proposed work is appropriate.