Louisiana House Bill HB23

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/15
• Refer: 2/20/15
• Refer: 4/13/15
• Report Pass: 4/22/15
• Engrossed: 4/29/15
• Refer: 4/30/15
• Report Pass: 5/25/15
• Enrolled: 6/7/15
• Chaptered: 6/29/15
• Passed: 6/29/15

Caption

Provides with respect to the Vermilion Parish Economic Development District

Impact

The amendments outlined in HB 23 serve to enhance local governance and economic development initiatives in the Vermilion Parish area by streamlining the operations and responsibilities of the district's governing board. By expanding the board's membership and providing a more inclusive appointment process, the bill intends to ensure that diverse voices are represented, which is critical for effective local decision-making. Furthermore, the bill retains the district's established powers relating to taxation and economic development, strengthening its role as a facilitator of local growth.

Summary

House Bill 23 aims to amend existing legislation concerning the Vermilion Parish Economic Development District in Louisiana. It proposes changes to the governing board structure of the district, which includes altering the composition and the appointment process for board members. The bill allows for a total of fifteen members on the board, with a detailed breakdown of how members are appointed from various local organizations, further emphasizing the need for diversity in representation.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive, particularly from local leaders and business stakeholders who see it as an opportunity to better structure economic growth efforts in the community. The unified approach to board composition is interpreted as a deliberate step towards inclusivity and representation. However, there may be some underlying concerns regarding how these changes will affect the existing governance practices and whether they will lead to increased bureaucracy or inefficiencies in decision-making.

Contention

While the bill has been generally well-received, some points of contention may arise regarding the depth of representation on the governing board. Critics might question whether the proposed structure adequately reflects the diverse economic sectors present in Vermilion Parish. The dissolution clause allows the police jury to terminate the district under certain conditions, which could raise concerns regarding the stability and longevity of the economic development efforts if political dynamics shift.