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 643 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Hughes
Abstract: Provides for changes to the appointment of commissioners to the Housing Authority of
New Orleans.
Present law (R.S. 40:531) authorizes the governing body of any municipality or parish to determine
by resolution that it is expedient to establish a local housing authority when there exists a shortage
of decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations in such parish or municipality. Provides that
when such determination is made, the chief elected official of the municipality or parish, or if no
such official exists then the governing body itself shall appoint five persons to constitute the housing
authority's governing body. Provides that the members of the governing body are called
commissioners.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law (R.S. 40:531) provides for exceptions relative to the number of commissioners for
certain housing authorities. Provides that the Housing Authority of New Orleans shall consist of
nine commissioners appointed by the mayor. Provides for the appointment of two tenant
commissioners and one landlord commissioner.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires that eight commissioners, excluding the landlord commissioner, be appointed
by the mayor without the need to select from a list of nominations. Proposed law reduces the
number from eight to six.
Present law requires that the two tenant commissioners be chosen from a list of three names
submitted to the mayor by the Citywide Tenants Council, Inc. Provides for the appointment of the
landlord commissioner from a list of three nominees submitted by the Landlords Advisory
Committee.
Proposed law instead requires that the two tenant commissioners be appointed by the president of
the New Orleans city council from a list of names submitted by the tenants council. Proposed law
otherwise retains present law relative to the appointment of the landlord commissioner.
(Amends R.S. 40:531(B)(2)(a)) Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Remove proposed law provisions that reduce the membership from nine to seven.
2. Add provisions to increase the number of commissioners appointed by the mayor without
the need to select from a list of nominations from four to six.
3. Remove proposed law provisions that provide for the appointment of two commissioners
by the at-large members of the city council.
4. Remove requirement that appointments be subject to confirmation by the city council.
5. Remove requirement that the executive director be hired upon the approval of the city
council.
6. Add provision for the appointment of the two tenant members by the president of the city
council.