Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB967

Introduced
3/12/12  

Caption

Creates the New Orleans Hospitality District (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

Impact

The impact of HB 967 on state laws is significant as it formalizes the creation of a hospitality-focused district with specific powers related to economic development. The district is granted rights to sue and be sued, acquire property, enter contracts, and levy taxes, which is characteristic of economic development districts. This enhances the ability of local officials to promote tourism and hospitality initiatives while facilitating cooperation with various stakeholders to improve the industry environment within the district.

Summary

House Bill 967, also known as the New Orleans Hospitality District Act, establishes a new political subdivision known as the New Orleans Hospitality District within the boundaries of Orleans Parish. The new district is created to enhance tourism, public safety, and economic development through a structured governance framework led by a board of commissioners. This board is comprised of representatives from various crucial organizations, including hotel and restaurant associations along with elected members from the community, thereby ensuring both industry and local perspectives are represented in decision-making processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears generally positive among business owners and tourism-related stakeholders who see it as a means to bolster the local economy through increased tourism efforts and infrastructure improvements. Nonetheless, some community members express concerns over oversight and the potential for bureaucracy that could arise from a new governing body, emphasizing a need for transparency and accountability in the actions of the newly formed board.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the governance structure itself, where critics may argue that a board composed primarily of industry representatives may prioritize business interests over the needs of local residents. Additionally, discussions around the creation of subdistricts allow for more localized governance; however, there are concerns that these could lead to fragmentation and uneven development across the Orleans Parish. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of addressing public safety and sanitation concerns within the hospitality zone to ensure that tourism growth does not compromise community welfare.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB608

Creates the New Orleans Hospitality Zone District. (gov sig)

LA SB767

Creates the New Orleans Hospitality Zone. (gov sig)

LA SB573

Creates the New Orleans Hospitality and Entertainment District. (gov sig)

LA HB619

Creates the La. Sports and Entertainment District in New Orleans (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

LA HB161

Creates the Lake Area Taxing District in Orleans Parish (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

LA HB693

Creates the New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority Economic Growth and Development District (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

LA HB623

Creates the New Orleans Street Maintenance District in the city of New Orleans

LA SB473

Creates the New Orleans Hotel Tourism District, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana. (gov sig)

LA HB325

Creates the Faubourg Marigny Security and Improvement District in Orleans Parish (EN +$442,300 LF RV See Note)

LA HB924

Creates the Downman Road Economic Development District in Orleans Parish (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

Similar Bills

LA SB319

Abolishes boards and commissions, authorities, districts, and like entities that are inactive. (8/1/18) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA SCR39

Provides for the comprehensive study and evaluation of Louisiana's levee districts and other water resource boards.

LA HB295

Provides relative to revision of local government laws pursuant to HCR No. 218 of the 2009 Regular Session

LA HB715

Provides relative to the Pineville Downtown Development District

LA HB647

Creates the Delta Agriculture Research and Sustainability District (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF See Note)

LA HB396

Provide relative to the annual salary of district attorneys (OR +$3,777,885 GF EX See Note)

LA HB619

Creates the La. Sports and Entertainment District in New Orleans (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

TX HB2668

Relating to the creation of the Smith Road Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 of Jefferson County; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting levee and flood hazard mitigation powers.