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 322 Original 2025 Regular Session Thompson
Abstract: Provides relative to the powers and duties of the Northeast Louisiana Multimodal
District.
Present law authorizes the governing authorities of two or more parishes to create, by ordinance, a
railroad development district composed of any part or all of the territory wholly within the
boundaries of the parishes. Provides that the district, if created, is a political subdivision of the state
and is granted all of the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities granted to political subdivisions
for economic development purposes. Provides that the purpose of the district is to promote and
encourage the development of rail service in the area of the parishes to stimulate the economy
through renewed commerce, industry, and for the utilization and development of natural and human
resources of the area by providing job opportunities. Provides for the district's powers and duties.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law provides that in addition to the powers granted to railroad development districts
pursuant present law, the Northeast La. Multimodal District may exercise all powers of a political
subdivision necessary or convenient for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the development
of rail service and industrial and economic development within the district, including but not limited
to the following:
(1)To enter into contracts for the purchase, acquisition, construction, operation, maintenance,
and improvement of works and facilities necessary in connection with the purposes of the
district, including contracts with a rail freight common carrier authorized under Title 49 of
the U.S.C. to operate over the rail lines of the district.
(2)To exercise any power that may be exercised by an industrial development board pursuant
to present law (Chapter 7 of Title 51).
(3)To exercise any power that may be exercised by an economic development district pursuant
to present law (Part II of Chapter 27 of Title 33).
(4)To create subdistricts.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:140.20.1)