La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4720.161 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4720.161
Parish redevelopment authority
Status: in_force

A. This Part may be referred to as the "Parish Redevelopment Law".

B. It is hereby found and declared that:

(1) There exists in certain parishes areas which have become slums, blighted, and distressed because of the unsafe, unsanitary, inadequate, or overcrowded condition of the structures therein, or because of inadequate planning for the area, or because of physically or functionally obsolete structures, or because of excessive dwelling unit density, or because of the lack of proper light and air and open space, or because of faulty street or lot design, or inadequate public utilities, or community services, or because of failure to adequately maintain and repair structures, or because of the conversion to incompatible types of land usage, or because of environmental conditions and circumstances. Such conditions or a combination of some or all of them have and will continue to result in making such areas economic and social liabilities.

(2) In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the resident population of certain parishes has increased dramatically, creating an urgent and immediate need for affordable residential housing. Persons displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita should be assisted, should they so desire, in obtaining long-term or permanent housing in such parishes.

(3) The prevention and elimination of slum, blighted, and distressed properties are matters of public policy and concern, as such areas tend to consume a disproportionate amount of parish revenues because of the extra services required for police, fire, accident, and other forms of public protection, services, and facilities.

(4) The salvage, renewal, redevelopment, and reconstruction of the slum, blighted, and distressed areas will promote the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public.

(5) The powers conferred by this Part are for public uses, purposes, welfare, and utility for which public money may be expended as necessary and in the public's interest. The provisions herein provided shall apply for residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, or other purposes and otherwise to encourage the provision of healthful homes, safe neighborhoods, a decent living environment, and adequate places of employment for the people. Such purposes are hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination.

(6) The object of this Part is to provide for the following:

(a) A unified and comprehensive response to the housing shortages and other indirect effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

(b) The general and economic welfare of the parish through housing, commercial, office, hospitality, recreation, education, infrastructure, and utility capacity, manufacturing, industrial, research, retail or other activities which will create or retain jobs, maintain or diversify industry, including new or emerging technologies, or maintain or increase the tax base.

(c) The improvement of conditions of deteriorated physical development, slow economic growth, and eroded financial health of the public and private sectors.

(d) The control, abatement, and prevention of pollution to protect public health and safety, and the development and use of indigenous and renewable energy resources.

(e) Assistance to nonprofit and governmental entities in support of health, educational, charitable, community, cultural, agricultural, consumer or other services benefitting the citizens.

C.(1) There is hereby created in the parish a body politic and corporate which shall exist in perpetuity and shall be known as the Parish Redevelopment Authority, referred to in this Part as the "authority".

(2) The authority shall be a special district created pursuant to Article VI, Section 19 of the Constitution of Louisiana and political subdivision of the state as defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution of Louisiana. The authority, acting through its governing board, is hereby granted all of the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities accorded by the laws and the Constitution of Louisiana to political subdivisions of the state, subject to the limitations provided in this Part.

D. The authority, for the purposes of this Part, may within its jurisdiction, formulate a workable program or programs for using appropriate private and public resources to achieve the purposes identified in Paragraph (B)(6) of this Section.

E. The authority, to the greatest extent it determines to be feasible in carrying out the provisions of this Part, shall seek out cooperative endeavors, including partnerships, joint ventures, and equity participation structures, with nonprofit and private enterprise. The authority shall give consideration to this objective in exercising the powers granted pursuant to this Part.

F.(1) Except as provided in Part II of this Chapter, the Parish Redevelopment Authority shall be comprised of all of the territory located within the parish, including the territory comprising the municipalities within the parish, as constituted on July 14, 2008. However, the governing authority of any such municipality may opt out of being included within the territorial jurisdiction of the authority.

(2) The authority shall be activated and implemented by the appropriate governing authority recognizing and confirming the appointment of the initial members of the board.

G.(1) The Parish Redevelopment Authority shall be governed by a board of commissioners, referred to in this Part as the "board", consisting of members appointed as follows:

(a) The parish governing authority shall appoint as commissioners of the authority one member from each district represented by a member of the parish governing authority and three additional members at large.

(b) The mayor of each municipality within the jurisdiction of the authority shall appoint one commissioner of the authority with the advice and consent of the municipal governing authority, who shall be a citizen who is a qualified elector of the municipality.

(2) All appointments shall be confirmed by the appropriate governing authority.

(3) The appointing authority shall present its appointees to the appropriate governing authority. Such presentations by the appointing authorities shall be in writing, shall be made at an official and open meeting of the appropriate governing authority, and shall include information sufficient to allow the appropriate governing authority to assess the qualifications and fitness of the appointee for his intended duties. Upon receipt of such presentation, the appropriate governing authority shall have the right to confirm or reject said appointment. Such confirmation or rejection shall be made in the manner and under the procedure prescribed by the governing authority. Regardless of the manner and procedure so employed, if the governing authority does not reject said appointment within sixty days after the presentation required by this Paragraph, then the appointment shall be deemed confirmed.

(4) Each board member shall be a citizen of the United States, a domiciliary of and a qualified voter in the appropriate jurisdiction for at least one year preceding the date of appointment, and shall remain a domiciliary of and a qualified voter of such jurisdiction during the entirety of the term of office. Furthermore, each board member shall be of good character and shall possess some skill, knowledge, or experience that will prove useful in the accomplishment of the goals of the authority as set forth in Subsection B of this Section.

(5) Each board member shall serve for a term of five years, unless removed for cause by the board, as provided in this Part, or removed for any reason by authorized action of the appointing authority.

(6) The board shall establish rules and requirements relative to the attendance and participation of members in its meetings, regular or special. Such rules and regulations may prescribe a procedure whereby, should any member fail to comply with such rules and regulations, such member may be disqualified and removed automatically from office by no less than a majority vote of the remaining members of the board, and that member's position shall be vacant as of the first day of the next calendar month. Any person removed under the provisions of this Paragraph shall be ineligible for reappointment to the board, unless such reappointment is confirmed unanimously by the board.

(7) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. In such cases a majority of the remaining board members may appoint an interim member to serve until a new member is confirmed.

(8) Board members shall serve without compensation; however, the board may reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred in the performance of duties on behalf of the authority.

(9) The board shall have power to organize and reorganize the executive, administrative, clerical, and other departments and forces of the authority and to fix the duties, powers, and compensation of all employees, agents, and consultants of the authority.

(10) The board shall elect yearly from its number a chairman, a vice chairman, a secretary, and a treasurer and shall establish their duties as may be regulated by rules adopted by the board. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by the same person. The board shall meet in regular session once each month and also shall meet in special session as convened by the chairman or upon written notice signed by three members. A majority of the members of the board, not including vacancies, shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.

(11) All actions of the board shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the board present and voting. However, no action of the board shall be authorized on the following matters unless approved by a majority of the total board membership:

(a) Adoption of bylaws and other rules and regulations for conduct of the authority's business.

(b) Hiring or firing of any employee or contractor of the authority. This function may by majority vote be delegated by the board to a specified officer or committee of the authority, under such terms and conditions, and to the extent, that the board may specify.

(c) The incurring of debt.

(d) Levy of taxes and call for any tax or other election.

(e) Adoption or amendment of the annual budget.

(f) Sale, lease, encumbrance, or alienation of immovable property, improvements, or personal property with a value of more than fifty thousand dollars.

(12) Vote by proxy shall not be permitted. Any member may request a recorded vote on any resolution or action of the authority.

(13) The board shall cause minutes and a record to be kept of all its proceedings, and it shall select a newspaper of general circulation within its territorial jurisdiction as its official journal in which it shall publish its minutes and in which it shall publish all official notices required by law. Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, the authority shall be subject to the Public Records Law, the Open Meetings Law, and the Code of Governmental Ethics. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 42:14, until thirty days prior to the date the board is scheduled to consummate a final sale or lease of any immovable property owned by the authority, the board may meet in executive session to discuss negotiations between the authority and any prospective seller, purchaser, lessor or lessee of that property. R.S. 44:31 through 35 shall not apply to any records related to the negotiations of or to the terms of such a sale or lease until thirty days prior to the date the board is scheduled to consummate a final sale or lease. The board shall give written public notice of its intention to consummate a final sale or lease at least thirty days prior to the date on which the board intends to take such action. This notice shall comply with the procedural provisions of R.S. 42:19. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Part to the contrary, that portion of documents evidencing proprietary information or trade secrets of either the authority or the seller, purchaser, lessor, or lessee shall not be subject to the Public Records Law for any reason whatsoever.

H. The authority, through the board, shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this Part, including but not limited to the following:

(1) To sue and be sued and as such to stand in judgment.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To acquire by gift, grant, purchase, lease, or otherwise and to hold and use any property, immovable, movable, corporeal, incorporeal, or any combination thereof, or any interest therein, necessary or desirable for carrying out the objects and purposes of the authority, and to engage in any action, such as the purchase of insurance, necessary or desirable for the maintenance or improvement of such property. The authority shall not have any power to expropriate, except that power which is granted by the appropriate governing authority.

(4)(a) To sell, lease for a term of up to ninety-nine years, exchange, or otherwise dispose of or transfer to or with other political subdivisions of this state or public or private persons at public or private sale any residential, or subdivision land, property, improvements, or portions thereof, including immovable property, which is, in the opinion of the board, appropriate to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority.

(b) Prior to any sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property pursuant to this Paragraph, the authority shall fix the price and terms of the sale, lease, exchange, or other contract to be made with reference to the property. Such sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer shall comply with the terms and provisions of this Part.

(c) Any sale of industrial land, as defined by Chapter 8 of Title 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and the statutes referenced therein, shall be in accordance with laws providing for the disposition or transfer of such land.

(d) Other than the requirements of this Part, no other law limiting or regulating the form or manner of the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property by public bodies, including without limitation R.S. 41:1338, shall apply to the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property by the authority. All such sales, leases, conveyances, dispositions, or transfers of property remain subject to the limitations imposed by the Constitution of Louisiana.

(5) To convey to the United States, the state, or to any political subdivision of the state any land, property, right-of-way, easement, servitude, or other thing of value, which the authority may own or acquire, for use by such governmental entity to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority, pursuant to the terms of any appropriate cooperative endeavor agreement.

(6) To make and collect reasonable charges for the use of property of the authority and for services rendered by the authority and to regulate fees or rentals charged for use of privately owned facilities located on property owned or sold by the authority when such facilities are offered for use by the public or by a private industrial, commercial, research, or other economic development entity or activity.

(7) To enter into contracts and agreements with public bodies or public or private entities to achieve the authority's objectives and purposes, including but not limited to contracts for professional, legal, and other services and for the purchase, lease, acquisition, sale, construction, operation, maintenance, marketing, and improvement of land, public works, and facilities, as the board may deem necessary or convenient to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority.

(8) To plan, develop, regulate, operate, and maintain activities and planned land uses to foster residential housing development.

(9) To acquire land and improvements to construct, operate, and maintain facilities, improvements, and infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges, drainage, and utilities, and to perform other functions and activities on property owned or leased by the authority to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority. However, the authority is prohibited from constructing, operating, or maintaining any water, electric, or gas utility facilities which duplicate, curtail, impair, or directly compete with a regulated water, electric, or gas utility facility operating in or adjacent to the property owned or leased by the authority.

(10) To require and issue licenses.

(11) To levy annually and cause to be collected ad valorem taxes, provided that the amount, term, and purpose of such taxes, as set out in propositions submitted to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code, shall be approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the parish voting in an election held for that purpose.

(12)(a) To levy and collect sales and use taxes within the boundaries of the authority for such purposes and at such rate as provided by the propositions authorizing their levy, not to exceed in aggregate one percent, which taxes may not exceed the limitation set forth in the Constitution of Louisiana, provided the proposition submitted to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code shall be approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the parish voting in an election held for that purpose. In submitting a sales tax proposition to a vote, the board may enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the parish governing authority providing for the sales tax to be divided into parts between the parish and the authority for such purposes and in such amounts as may be set forth in the proposition.

(b) The tax shall be levied upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, the distribution, and storage for use or consumption of tangible personal property, and upon the sales of services within the parish, all as defined in R.S. 47:301 et seq.

(c) Except where inapplicable, the procedure established by R.S. 47:301 et seq., shall be followed in the imposition, collection, and enforcement of the tax, and procedural details necessary to supplement those Sections and to make them applicable to the tax herein authorized shall be fixed in the resolution imposing the tax.

(d) The tax shall be imposed and collected uniformly throughout the parish.

(e) Any tax levied under this Paragraph shall be in addition to all other taxes which the parish or any other political subdivision within the parish is now or hereafter authorized to levy and collect.

(13) To develop, activate, construct, exchange, acquire, improve, repair, operate, maintain, lease, mortgage, sell, and grant a security device affecting the movable and immovable property, servitudes, facilities, and works within the parish under such terms and conditions as the board may deem necessary or appropriate for residential development.

(14) To borrow money and to pledge or grant a security device affecting all or part of its revenues, leases, rents, and other advantages as security for such loans.

(15) To appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation.

(16) To undertake and carry out redevelopment projects and related activities.

(17) To apply for and accept advances, leases, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the federal government, the state, parish, or other public bodies, or from any sources, public or private, for the purposes of this Part, and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out contracts or agreements in connection therewith; and to include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government such conditions imposed pursuant to federal laws as the board may deem reasonable and appropriate and which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Part.

(18) To make or have made all surveys and plans necessary to implement the purposes of this Part and to adopt or approve, modify, and amend such plans, which plans may include but are not limited to:

(a) Plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements.

(b) Plans for the enforcement of state and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements and to the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal of buildings and improvements.

(c) Appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other plans and work necessary to prepare for the undertaking of redevelopment projects and related activities.

(19) To develop, test, and report methods and techniques and carry out demonstrations and other activities for the prevention and the elimination of slums and urban blight, including developing and demonstrating new or improved means of providing housing or continuing care, assisted living, or independent living or other similar type housing for elderly or retired persons or other persons desiring such housing facilities.

(20) To make and from time to time amend and repeal bylaws, orders, rules, and regulations in order to effectuate the provisions of this Part.

(21) To exercise all or any part or combination of powers herein granted by this Part. However, the authority shall not be deemed to be an instrumentality of the state for purposes of Article X, Section 1(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana.

(22) To purchase property at a sale conducted pursuant to enforcement of judicial mortgages created in accordance with R.S. 13:2575(C) by tendering a bid equal to or greater than the minimum bid advertised, which bid may be a credit bid consisting of the obligation of the authority to satisfy the bid by payment to the political subdivision holding the lien being enforced in accordance with intergovernmental agreements between the authority and such political subdivision. Such a bid shall be given priority over all other bids regardless of amount, except that a holder of a conventional mortgage on the property may purchase the property by tendering the highest bid.

I.(1) The authority may incur debt and issue general obligation bonds under the authority of and subject to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and Subpart A of Part III of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, for the acquisition and operation of authority property or to carry out the other public purposes of this Part, and to issue any other bonds permitted by law, borrow money, and issue certificates of indebtedness, notes, and other debt obligations as evidence thereof and provide for the manner and method of repayment in accordance with law.

(2) The authority may issue revenue bonds to finance the undertaking of a redevelopment project under this Part, or otherwise to acquire, purchase, lease, construct, or improve housing, residential or subdivision development authorized in this Part; and may sell, lease, sublease, or otherwise dispose of by suitable and appropriate contract to any enterprise locating or existing within the jurisdiction of an authority such sites, buildings, or facilities and appurtenances thereto, all or severally. The funds derived from the sale of such bonds may be disbursed in whole or in part upon delivery of the bonds as shall be provided in the contract between an authority and the residential enterprise to be aided, encouraged, or benefitted subject to the requirements of Paragraph (L)(2) of this Section.

(3) The issuing authority may enter into, amend, or terminate, as it determines to be necessary or appropriate, any ancillary contracts (a) to facilitate the issuance, sale, resale, purchase, repurchase, or payments of bonds, including without limitation bond insurance, letters of credit, and liquidity facilities, or (b) to attempt to hedge risk or achieve a desirable effective interest rate or cash flow, all subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission.

(4) Bonds issued under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection shall be authorized by resolution of the board and shall be limited obligations of the issuing authority; the principal and interest, costs of issuance, and other costs incidental thereto shall be payable solely from the income and revenue derived from the sale, lease, or other disposition of the project or facility to be financed by the bonds issued under this Subsection, or from the income and revenue derived from the sale, lease, or other disposition of any existing project or facility acquired, constructed, and improved under the provision of this Subsection, or from any source available for such purpose. However, in the discretion of the issuing authority, the bonds may be additionally secured by mortgage or other security device covering all or part of the project from which the revenues so pledged may be derived. Any refunding bonds issued pursuant to this Subsection shall be payable from any source described above or from the investment of any of the proceeds of the refunding bonds authorized under this Subsection and shall not constitute an indebtedness or pledge of the general credit of the parish or municipality, as appropriate, or the authority within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation of indebtedness and shall contain a recital to that effect. Bonds of the authority issued under this Subsection shall be issued in such form, shall be in such denominations, shall bear interest, shall mature in such manner, and be executed by one or more members of the board as provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance thereof. Such bonds may be subject to redemption at the option of and in the manner determined by the board in the resolution authorizing the issuance thereof.

(5) No bonds or other evidences of indebtedness may be issued under this Subsection without the prior approval of the State Bond Commission of the terms and provisions thereof.

(6) Bonds issued under this Subsection shall be issued, sold, and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of a resolution adopted by the board. The board may sell such bonds in such manner, either at public or at private sale, and for such price as it may determine to be in the best interests of the authority, subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The resolution issuing bonds shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the authority, and for a period of thirty days after said publication, any interested citizen may bring an action to contest the bonds and the security therefor, as provided in the Constitution of Louisiana. If, after the expiration of thirty days, no suit has been filed, the issuance, sale, and security of the bonds shall be incontestable, and no court shall have authority to entertain any action questioning or contesting such matters.

(7) Bonds issued by the authority under this Part are deemed to be securities of public entities within the meaning of Chapters 13 and 13-A of Subtitle III of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and shall be subject to defeasance in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14 of Subtitle III of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, shall be subject to the refunding provisions of Chapter 14-A of Subtitle III of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and may also be issued as short-term revenue notes of a public entity under Chapter 15-A of Subtitle III of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

(8) No bonds, other debt obligations, or contracts of the authority shall be a charge upon the income, property, or revenue of the parish or municipality, as appropriate, nor shall any obligations of the authority be the obligations of the applicable parish or municipality.

(9) Any bonds issued by the authority shall be subject to the Bond Validation Law (R.S. 13:5121 et seq.), pursuant to which the issuance of the bonds may be submitted to the courts for validation.

J.(1) The exercise by a board of the powers conferred by virtue of this Part shall be deemed and held to be an essential governmental function of the state and parish. As the exercise of the powers granted by this Part will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state and parish, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, the authority shall not be required to pay any taxes, including but not limited to sales and use taxes, ad valorem, occupational licensing, income, or any other taxes of any kind or nature, or fees or assessments upon any property held, acquired or used by the authority under the provisions of this Part, or upon the income therefrom. Any bonds, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the authority and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state and by any parish, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state. The authority shall not be deemed to be a public utility and shall not be subject in any respect to the authority, control, regulation, or supervision of the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

(2) All property of the authority, including funds owned or held by it for the purpose of this Part, shall be exempt from levy and sale by virtue of an execution, and no execution or other judicial process shall issue against the same, nor shall judgment against the parish or authority be a charge or lien upon such property. However, the provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to or limit the right of obligees to pursue any remedies for the enforcement of any pledge or lien given pursuant to this Part by the authority on its rents, fees, grants, or revenues.

K.(1) The authority may purchase adjudicated properties within their respective territorial jurisdictions from any political subdivision of the state of Louisiana. No such purchase shall be construed to, or otherwise have the effect of, extending or suspending the period prescribed by law for the redemption of the property by the tax debtor or any other person.

(2) The purchases by the authority may be in the manner provided for in Chapter 13-A of this Title, or by a direct negotiated purchase and sale agreement between the authority and a political subdivision without any other requirement of a public sale prior to the transfer of such properties to the authority. The purchases by the authority shall not be considered the sale of surplus property or of property owned by the political subdivision.

(3) Effective upon the recordation of the transfer of an adjudicated property to the authority pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement, the rights of the authority in and to such property shall be the rights of a purchaser at a tax sale as contemplated by Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, subject only to the rights of redemption of the property set forth in Article VII, Section 25(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, and the property shall no longer be deemed to be adjudicated property as of such recordation. For purposes of the right of redemption in Article VII, Section 25(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, the three-year period commences on the date of the recordation of the initial adjudication to the political subdivision and not on the date of transfer to the authority.

(4) Any such purchase and sale agreement shall set forth the total consideration to be paid by the authority and the method and timing of payment of such consideration by the authority.

(5) The state and any political subdivision with liens on the property may, pursuant to intergovernmental agreements with the authority, cancel such liens contemporaneously with or subject to the transfer of the property to the authority.

(6)(a) The authority shall have the right, subject to the provisions of this Section, to purchase properties at tax sales conducted in accordance with Part III of Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and any and all such purchases shall be a purchase pursuant to those provisions and not an adjudication to a political subdivision.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, the authority may tender a bid at a tax sale which is a credit bid, consisting of the obligation of the authority to satisfy the component parts of the bid by payments to the respective political subdivisions and taxing entities in accordance with intergovernmental agreements between the authority and such political subdivisions and taxing entities.

(c) A bid by the authority at a tax sale for the minimum amount shall take priority over all other bids for the same quantity of property, except that a holder of a conventional mortgage on the property may purchase the property by tendering the highest bid.

L.(1) The authority shall have the power to create and execute redevelopment plans for specified areas within its territorial jurisdiction. The implementation of all such plans shall not proceed until, to the extent required by law, the authority has obtained the approval of the local planning commission or zoning board. In the execution of such a redevelopment plan, the authority shall have the powers provided in this Subsection. The fact that a certain power is expressed or implied in this Paragraph as pertinent to the authority's execution of a redevelopment plan shall not suggest or imply that such power is otherwise denied to the authority.

(2) A redevelopment plan shall include a definition of the redevelopment area. Except as provided in Part II of this Chapter, this area, or any part thereof, may be further designated as a subdistrict of the authority.

(3) The authority may sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise transfer immovable property or any interest therein acquired by it for residential or recreational uses or for public use, subject to such covenants, conditions, and restrictions, including covenants running with the land, as it may deem to be necessary or desirable to assist in carrying out the purposes of this Part. The purchasers or lessees and their successors and assigns shall be obligated to devote such immovable property only to the uses as the authority may determine to be in the public interest, including the obligation to begin within a reasonable time any improvements on such immovable property. Such immovable property or interest shall be sold, leased, or otherwise transferred at not less than its fair value for uses in accordance with the redevelopment plan. In determining the fair value of real property for uses, the authority shall take into account and give consideration to the use provided in such plan; the restrictions upon and the covenants, conditions, and obligations assumed by the purchaser or lessee; and the objectives of such plan. The authority, in any instrument of conveyance to a private purchaser or lessee, may provide that such purchaser or lessee shall be without power to sell, lease, or otherwise transfer the immovable property without the prior written consent of the authority until such purchaser or lessee has completed the construction of any and all improvements which he has obligated himself to construct thereon. Real property acquired in accordance with the provisions of the redevelopment plan shall be transferred as rapidly as feasible in the public interest, consistent with the carrying out of the provisions of the project plan. Such plan and any substantial modification of such plan shall be filed as a public record in the office of the clerk of the parish, and any conveyances, encumbrances, or other contracts may incorporate the provisions thereof by reference which shall afford notice thereof to all parties.

(4) The authority may dispose of, sell, exchange, or lease real property in a redevelopment area to any private person for the fair market value of the property as determined by a certified and competent appraiser, or to any private person pursuant to reasonable competitive bidding procedures as it shall prescribe subject to the provisions set forth in this Paragraph. Such reasonable bidding procedures must include public notice, by publication once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation in the community, inviting proposals from and making available all pertinent information to private redevelopers or any persons interested in undertaking to redevelop or rehabilitate a redevelopment area or any part thereof. Such notice shall identify the area, or portion thereof, and shall state that proposals shall be made by those in interest within thirty days after publication of such notice, and that such further information as is available may be obtained at such office as shall be designated in the notice. The board shall consider all such redevelopment or rehabilitation proposals and the financial and legal ability of the persons making such proposals to carry them out, and may negotiate with any persons for proposals for the purchase, lease, or other transfer of any real property acquired by the authority in the redevelopment area. The board may accept such proposal as it deems to be in the public interest and in furtherance of the purposes of this Part. Such notice, and all contracts to sell, lease, or otherwise transfer immovable property under the provisions of this Part, shall be a public record and shall include the name of the redeveloper or purchaser, together with the names of its officers and principal members or shareholders and investors and other interested parties, the redeveloper's estimate of the cost of any residential development and rehabilitations, and the redeveloper's estimate of rentals and sales prices of any proposed housing involved in such redevelopment and rehabilitation. Thereafter, the board may execute such contract in accordance with the provisions of this Part and deliver acts of sale, leases, and other instruments and take all steps necessary to effectuate such contract.

(5) The authority may temporarily operate, maintain, or lease immovable property acquired by it in a redevelopment area for or in connection with a redevelopment project pending disposition of the property as authorized in this Part for such uses and purposes as may be deemed desirable even though not in connection with the redevelopment plan.

(6) Any immovable property within a redevelopment area acquired pursuant to Subsection K of this Section may be disposed of without regard to the other provisions of this Part. Immovable property acquired in accordance with the redevelopment plan may be disposed of to a public body for public reuse without regard to the provisions of this Subsection.

M.(1) Except as provided in Part II of this Chapter, the authority may, in the implementation of a redevelopment plan, create one or more subdistricts to conduct, oversee, or assist in the implementation of such redevelopment plan. The boundaries of such a subdistrict may include all or part of the redevelopment area. Such a subdistrict shall have and exercise such powers and responsibilities as the authority shall specify in the enabling resolution. The full extent of such powers and responsibilities may include such powers as the authority itself may exercise, and such other powers as are given to the subdistrict by this Paragraph or any other law, but any exercise of such powers by the subdistrict shall be confined solely to the geographical limits of the subdistrict. Such a subdistrict may be established to exist at the pleasure of the authority, or for any period of time, or until the happening of any occurrence or occurrences, that the authority may specify.

(2) Except as provided in Part II of this Chapter, the creation of a subdistrict shall in no instance result in the detachment, severance, or loss of any power or responsibility granted to the authority by this Part, and within the confines of any subdistrict, the authority shall have full jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the subdistrict, to exercise said powers and responsibilities. The fact that a certain power is expressed or implied in this Paragraph as pertinent to a subdistrict's conduct, overseeing, or assistance in the implementation of the redevelopment plan shall not suggest or imply that such power is otherwise denied to the authority. However, the authority and its subdistricts shall not, collectively, have any greater power to tax than that granted, in the first instance, to the authority alone.

(3) Unless otherwise specified in the resolution or other formal act creating the subdistrict, the board members of the authority shall constitute the governing authority of the subdistrict.

(4) Unless otherwise specified in the resolution or other formal act creating the subdistrict, the subdistrict shall be a distinct and separate juridical entity, and the rights, interests, and liabilities of the subdistrict shall not under any circumstances be considered those of the authority.

(5)(a) In addition to the other powers it may be granted, a subdistrict may enjoy, within its geographical boundaries, the powers of tax increment financing, the issuance of revenue bonds, and those other powers that may be exercised by an economic development district created by a local governmental subdivision pursuant to R.S. 33:9038.32. However, the subdistrict shall remain subject to all limitations and reservations applicable to the powers of the authority.

(b) Prior to the dedication of any state sales tax increments to be used for an authorized purpose of a subdistrict, the secretary of Louisiana Economic Development shall submit the proposal to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for approval. The submittal shall also include a written evaluation and determination by the department, with input from and certification by the Department of Revenue, of the anticipated increase in state sales tax revenues to be collected within the state over state sales tax revenues that were collected within the state in the year immediately prior to the year in which the proposal is submitted to the committee that would be a direct result of the proposal. In addition, any cooperative endeavor agreement or other agreement providing for the expenditure of funds collected by the state as state sales tax increments and dedicated to a project, or for the payment of revenue bonds therefor shall be subject to approval by the State Bond Commission prior to execution by the state.

N. All banks, trust companies, bankers, savings banks and institutions, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, investment companies, and other persons carrying on a banking or investment business; all insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on an insurance business; and all executors, administrators, curators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may legally invest any sinking funds, monies, or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds or other obligations issued by the authority pursuant to this Part. Bonds and other obligations shall be authorized security for all public deposits. It is the purpose of this Subsection to authorize any public or private persons, political subdivisions, and officers, public or private, to use any funds owned or controlled by them for the purchase of any bonds or other obligations. Nothing contained in this Subsection with regard to legal investments shall be construed as relieving any persons of any duty of exercising reasonable care in selecting securities.

O. For the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of a redevelopment project and related activities authorized by this Part, any public body may, upon such terms, with or without consideration as it may determine:

(1) Dedicate, sell, convey, or lease any of its interest in any property or grant easements, licenses, or other rights or privileges therein to the authority.

(2) Incur the entire expense of any public improvements made by such public body.

(3) Do any and all things necessary to aid or cooperate in the planning or carrying out of a redevelopment plan and related activities.

(4) Lend, grant, or contribute funds to an authority in accordance with an appropriate cooperative endeavor agreement and borrow money and apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the federal government, the state, parish, or other public body, or from any other source.

(5) Enter into agreements which may extend over any period notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary with the federal government or other public body respecting action to be taken pursuant to any of the powers granted by this Part, including the furnishing of funds or other assistance in connection with a redevelopment project and related activities.

(6) Cause public buildings and public facilities, including parks, playgrounds, recreational, community, educational, water, sewer, or drainage facilities, or any other works which it is otherwise empowered to undertake to be furnished; furnish, dedicate, close, vacate, pave, install, grade, regrade, plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places; plan or replan, zone or rezone, or make exceptions from building regulations.

P. Any instrument executed, in proper form and with proper certification of authority, by the authority purporting to convey any right, title, or interest in any property under this Part shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed in compliance with provisions of this Part insofar as title or other interest of any bona fide purchasers, lessees, or transferees of the property is concerned.

Q. As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meaning herein ascribed to them:

(1) "Appropriate governing authority" shall mean the governing authority of the parish.

(2) "Appropriate jurisdiction" shall mean the parish.

(3) "Bonds" means any bonds, notes, interim certificates, certificates of indebtedness, debenture, or other obligation.

(4) "Federal government" means any department, agency, or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.

(5) "Immovable property" means any and all rights, title, and interest in a tract of land, including its component parts.

(6) "Owner of a property interest" means anyone with a corporeal or incorporeal interest in immovable property, including a naked owner, a usufructuary, a mortgagee, a judgment creditor, or a holder of a personal or predial servitude.

(7) "Parish" means the parish of Lafayette.

(8) "Public body" means the state and any parish and any board, authority, agency, district, subdivision, department, or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the state or any parish.

R. Insofar as the provisions of this Part are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, the provisions of this Part shall be controlling. However, the authority shall be subject to the provisions of the Local Government Fair Competition Act, R.S. 45:844.41 et seq. The authority conferred by this Part shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.

S.(1) In addition to the powers granted to the authority pursuant to this Part, the authority may initiate an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection to quiet title to immovable property held by the authority, interests in property purchased by the authority at tax sales, or in formerly adjudicated properties acquired by the authority from a political subdivision, by recording with the register of conveyances a notice of pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action. The notice shall include a legal description of the property; the street address of the property if available; the name, address, and telephone number of the authority; a statement that the property is subject to expedited quiet title proceedings and foreclosure under this Section; and a statement that any legal interests in the property may be extinguished by a district court order vesting title to the property in the authority. The right of redemption from tax sales in Article VII, Section 25(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana shall be terminated by these proceedings only if the time period for expiration of the right of redemption has expired. If a notice is recorded in error, the authority may correct the error by recording a certificate of correction with the register of conveyances. A notice or certificate under this Subsection need not be notarized and may be authenticated by a digital signature or other electronic means. If an authority has reason to believe that a property subject to an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection may be the site of environmental contamination, the authority shall provide the Department of Environmental Quality with any information in the possession of the authority that suggests the property may be the site of environmental contamination.

(2) After recording the notice under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the authority shall initiate a search of records identified in this Paragraph to identify the owners of a property interest in the property who are entitled to notice of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under this Subsection. The authority may enter into a contract with or may request from one or more authorized representatives a title search or other title product to identify the owners of a property interest in the property as required under this Paragraph or to perform the other functions set forth in this Subsection required for the quieting of title to property under this Paragraph. The owner of a property interest is entitled to notice under this Section if that owner's interest was identifiable by reference to any of the following sources before the date that the authority records the notice under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection:

(a) Land title records in the office of the recorder of mortgages and the register of conveyances.

(b) Tax records in the office of the assessor.

(3) The authority may file a single petition with the district court to expedite foreclosure under this Section listing all property subject to expedited foreclosure by the authority and for which the authority seeks to quiet title. If available to the authority, the list of properties shall include a legal description of, a tax parcel identification number for, and the street address of each parcel of property. The petition shall seek a judgment in favor of the authority against each property listed and shall include a date, within ninety days, on which the authority requests a hearing on the petition. The petition shall request that a judgment be entered vesting absolute title in the authority, without right of redemption for each parcel of property listed, as provided in this Paragraph. Prior to the entry of judgment under this Paragraph, the authority may request the court to remove property erroneously included in the petition, or any tax delinquent properties redeemed prior to the hearing.

(4) The district court in which a petition is filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection shall immediately set the date, time, and place for a hearing on the petition for foreclosure. The date shall be set by the court and shall not be more than ten days after the date requested by the authority in the petition. In no event may the court schedule the hearing later than ninety days after the filing of a petition by the authority under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection.

(5) After completing the records search under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the authority shall determine the address or addresses reasonably calculated to inform those owners of a property interest in property subject to expedited foreclosure under this Paragraph of the pendency of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection. If, after conducting the title search, the authority is unable to determine an address reasonably calculated to inform persons with a property interest in property subject to expedited tax foreclosure, or if the authority discovers a deficiency in notice under Paragraph (10) of this Subsection, the following shall be considered reasonable steps by the authority to ascertain the addresses of persons with a property interest in the property subject to expedited foreclosure or to ascertain an address necessary to correct a deficiency in notice under Paragraph (10) of this Subsection:

(a) For an individual, a search of records of the recorder of mortgages and the register of conveyances.

(b) For a business entity a search of business entity records filed with the commercial division of the Department of State.

(c) For a state or federally chartered depository institution, a search of entity records with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions or with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

(6) Not less than thirty days before the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the authority shall send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the hearing to the persons identified under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection with a property interest in property subject to expedited foreclosure. The authority shall also send a notice via regular mail addressed to the "Occupant" for each property subject to expedited foreclosure if an address for the property is ascertainable.

(7) Not less than thirty days before the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the authority or its authorized representative or authorized agent shall visit each parcel of property subject to expedited foreclosure and post conspicuously on the property notice of the hearing. In addition to the requirements of Paragraph (8) of this Subsection, the notice shall also include the following statement: "This Property has been transferred to the ______________ Parish Redevelopment Authority and is subject to an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action. Persons with information regarding the prior owner of the property are requested to contact the _____________ Parish Redevelopment Authority."

(8) The notice required under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection shall include:

(a) The date on which the authority recorded under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, notice of the pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action.

(b) A statement that a person with a property interest in the property may lose his or her interest, if any, as a result of the quiet title and foreclosure action initiated under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

(c) A legal description, parcel number of the property, and the street address of the property, if available.

(d) The person to whom the notice is addressed.

(e) The date and time of the hearing on the petition for foreclosure under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, and a statement that the judgment of the court may result in title to the property vesting in the authority.

(f) An explanation of any rights of redemption and notice that the judgment of the court may extinguish any ownership interest in or right to redeem the property.

(g) The name, address, and telephone number of the authority.

(h) A statement that persons with information regarding the owner or prior owner of any of the properties are requested to contact the authority.

(9) If the authority is unable to ascertain the address reasonably calculated to inform the owners of a property interest entitled to notice under this Section, or is unable to provide notice under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection, the authority shall provide notice by publication. Prior to the hearing, a notice shall be published for three successive weeks, once each week, in the official newspaper published and circulated in the parish. The published notice shall include all of the following:

(a) A legal description, parcel number of the property, and the street address of the property, if available.

(b) The name of any person not notified under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection, that the authority reasonably believes may be entitled to notice under this Section of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection.

(c) A statement that a person with a property interest in the property may lose his or her interest, if any, as a result of the foreclosure proceeding under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection.

(d) The date and time of the hearing on the petition for foreclosure under Paragraph (4) of this Subsection.

(e) A statement that the judgment of the court may result in title to the property vesting in the authority.

(f) An explanation of any rights of redemption and notice that judgment of the court may extinguish any ownership interest in or right to redeem the property.

(g) The name, address, and telephone number of the authority.

(h) A statement that persons with information regarding the owner or prior owner of any of the properties are requested to contact the authority.

(10) If prior to the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the authority discovers any deficiency in the provision of notice under this Section, the authority shall take reasonable steps in good faith to correct the deficiency before the hearing. The provisions of this Subsection relating to notice of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing are exclusive and exhaustive. Other requirements relating to notice and proof of service under other law, rule, or other legal requirement are not applicable to notice or proof of service under this Subsection.

(11) If a petition for expedited quiet title and foreclosure is filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection, before the hearing, the authority shall file with the clerk of the district court proof of notice by certified mail under Paragraph (6) of this Subsection, proof of notice by posting on the property under Paragraph (7) of this Subsection, and proof of notice by publication, if applicable. A person claiming an interest in a parcel of property set forth in the petition for foreclosure, including a current holder of a conventional mortgage, who desires to contest that petition shall file written objections with the clerk of the district court and serve those objections on the authority before the date of the hearing. A holder of a conventional mortgage may object to the action and is entitled to a dismissal of the proceedings by the district court upon a showing that it is the holder of a legally enforceable conventional mortgage and upon payment of the outstanding amount of any liens, taxes, and related costs. The district court may appoint and utilize as the court considers necessary a curator for assistance with the resolution of any objections to the foreclosure or questions regarding the title to property subject to foreclosure. If the court withholds property from foreclosure, the authority's ability to include the property in a subsequent petition for expedited quiet title and foreclosure is not prejudiced. No injunction shall issue to stay an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection. The district court shall enter judgment on a petition to quiet title and foreclosure filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection, not more than ten days after the conclusion of the hearing or contested case, and the judgment shall be effective ten days after the conclusion of the hearing or contested case. The district court's judgment shall specify all of the following:

(a) The legal description and, if known, the street address of the property foreclosed.

(b) That title to property foreclosed by the judgment is vested absolutely in the authority, except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs (3) and (5) of this Subsection, without any further rights of redemption.

(c) That all liens against the property, including any lien for unpaid taxes or special assessments are extinguished.

(d) That, except as otherwise provided in Subparagraph (e) of this Paragraph, the authority has good and marketable title to the property.

(e) That all existing recorded and unrecorded interests in that property are extinguished, except a visible or recorded servitude or private deed restrictions.

(f) A finding that all persons entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard have been provided that notice and opportunity. A person shall be deemed to have been provided notice and an opportunity to be heard if the authority followed the procedures for provision of notice by mail, for posting on property subject to expedited quiet title and foreclosure, and for publication under this Section, or if one or more of the following apply:

(i) The person had constructive notice of the hearing by acquiring an interest in the property after the date of the recording under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection of the notice of pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action.

(ii) The person appeared at the hearing under this Subparagraph or submitted written objections to the district court under this Subparagraph prior to the hearing.

(iii) Prior to the hearing under this Subparagraph, the person had actual notice of the hearing.

(12) Except as otherwise provided in Subparagraph (11)(e) of this Subsection, title to property set forth in a petition for foreclosure filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection shall vest absolutely in the authority upon the effective date of the judgment by the district court and the authority shall have absolute title to the property. The authority's title is not subject to any recorded or unrecorded lien, except as provided in Paragraph (11) of this Subsection and shall not be stayed or held invalid except as provided in Paragraph (13) of this Subsection. A judgment entered under this Subsection is a final order with respect to the property affected by the judgment and shall not be modified, stayed, or held invalid after the effective date of the judgment, except as provided in Paragraph (13) of this Subsection.

(13) The authority or a person claiming to have a property interest under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection in property foreclosed under this Subsection may, within twenty-one days of the effective date of the judgment under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, appeal the district court's order or the district court's judgment foreclosing property to the court of appeals. An appeal under this Paragraph is limited to the record of the proceedings in the district court under this Subsection. The district court's judgment foreclosing property shall be stayed until the court of appeals has reversed, modified, or affirmed that judgment. If an appeal under this Paragraph stays the district court's judgment foreclosing property, the district court's judgment is stayed only as to the property that is the subject of that appeal and the district court's judgment foreclosing other property that is not the subject of that appeal is not stayed. To appeal the district court's judgment foreclosing property, a person appealing the judgment shall pay to the authority any taxes, interest, penalties, and fees due on the property and provide notice of the appeal to the authority within twenty-one days after the district court's judgment is effective. If the district court's judgment foreclosing the property is affirmed on appeal, the amount determined to be due shall be refunded to the person who appealed the judgment. If the district court's judgment foreclosing the property is reversed or modified on appeal, the authority shall refund the amount determined to be due to the person who appealed the judgment, if any, and forward the balance to the appropriate taxing jurisdictions in accordance with the order of the court of appeals.

(14) The authority shall record a notice of judgment for each parcel of foreclosed property in the office of the register of conveyances. If the authority records a notice of judgment in error, the authority may subsequently record a certificate of correction. A notice or certificate under this Subsection need not be notarized and may be authenticated by a digital signature or other electronic means. After the entry of a judgment foreclosing the property under this Subsection, if the property has not been transferred by the authority, the authority may cancel the foreclosure by recording with the register of conveyances a certificate of error, if the authority discovers any of the following:

(a) The description of the property used in the expedited quiet title and foreclosure proceeding was so indefinite or erroneous that the foreclosure of the property was void.

(b) An owner of an interest in the property entitled to notice of the expedited quiet title and proceedings against the property under this Subsection was not provided notice sufficient to satisfy the minimum due process requirements of the Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States of America.

(c) A judgment of foreclosure was entered under this Subsection in violation of an order issued by a United States bankruptcy court.

(15) If a judgment of foreclosure is entered under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, and all existing recorded and unrecorded interests in a parcel of property are extinguished as provided in Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the owner of any extinguished recorded or unrecorded interest in that property who claims that he or she did not receive notice of the expedited quiet title and foreclosure action shall not bring an action for possession of the property against any subsequent owner, but may only bring an action to recover monetary damages from the authority as provided in this Subsection. The district court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in any action to recover monetary damages under this Subsection. An action to recover monetary damages under this Subsection shall not be brought more than two years after a judgment for foreclosure is entered under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection. Any monetary damages recoverable under this Subsection shall be determined as of the date a judgment for foreclosure is entered under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection and shall not exceed the fair market value of the interest in the property held by the person bringing the action under this Subsection on that date, less any taxes, interest, penalties, and fees owed on the property as of that date. The right to sue for monetary damages under this Subsection shall not be transferable except by testate or intestate succession.

(16) The owner of a property interest with notice of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, may not assert any of the following:

(a) That notice to the owner was insufficient or inadequate in any way because some other owner of a property interest in the property was not notified.

(b) That any right to redeem tax reverted property was extended in any way because some other person was not notified.

(17) A person holding or formerly holding an interest in tax reverted property subject to expedited foreclosure under this Subsection is barred from questioning the validity of the expedited foreclosure under this Subsection.

(18) The failure of the authority to comply with any provision of this Subsection shall not invalidate any proceeding under this Subsection if a person with a property interest in property subject to foreclosure was accorded the minimum due process required under the Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States of America.

(19) It is the intent of the legislature that the provisions of this Section relating to the expedited quiet title and foreclosure of property by the authority satisfy the minimum requirements of due process required under the Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States of America but that the provisions do not create new rights beyond those required under the Constitution of Louisiana or the Constitution of the United States of America. The failure of the authority to follow a requirement of this Section relating to the expedited quiet title and foreclosure of property held by the authority shall not be construed to create a claim or cause of action against the authority unless the minimum requirements of due process accorded under the Constitution of Louisiana or the Constitution of the United States of America are violated.

(20) As used in this Subsection, "authorized representative" includes one or more of the following:

(a) A title insurance company or agent licensed to conduct business in this state.

(b) An attorney licensed to practice law in this state.

(c) A person accredited in land title search procedures by a nationally recognized organization in the field of land title searching.

(d) A person with demonstrated experience in the field of searching land title records, as determined by the authority.

(21) As used in this Subsection, "district court" shall mean the district court for the parish.

Acts 2008, No. 912, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 20, §1, eff. June 12, 2011; Acts 2013, No. 220, §12, eff. June 11, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4712.15 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4712.15
Naming of courthouse annex building; Beauregard Parish
Status: in_force

The governing authority of the parish of Beauregard may name a building used as a courthouse annex located in the parish seat as the M. Bolivar Bishop Courthouse Annex Building in honor of M. Bolivar Bishop, a living person who has served as sheriff for more than thirty-five years commencing in 1972.

Acts 2008, No. 560, §1, eff. June 30, 2008; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 20, §1, eff. June 12, 2011.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:130.508 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 130.508
Governmental functions
Status: in_force

The exercise by the board of the powers conferred by this Subpart shall be deemed and held to be essential governmental functions of the state. As the exercise of the powers granted hereby will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, the district shall not be required to pay any taxes, including but not limited to sales and use taxes, ad valorem, occupational licensing, income, or any other taxes of any kind or nature, or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the district under the provisions of this Subpart, or upon the income therefrom, and any property acquired or used by the district under the provisions of this Subpart and the income therefrom, and any bonds issued hereunder and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state and by any parish, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state. The district shall not be deemed to be a public utility and shall not be subject in any respect to the authority, control, regulation, or supervision of the Louisiana Public Service Commission or any other regulatory body of the state, or any political subdivision thereof.

Acts 1995, No. 115, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:2740.35 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 2740.35
Economic development districts; city of New Orleans; creation, composition, and powers; preparation of plans; levy of ad valorem taxes and issuance of bonds
Status: in_force

A.(1) There is hereby created a special taxing district within the city of New Orleans comprised of the territory located within the boundary of Almonaster Avenue, one mile north of Hayne Boulevard/Lake Pontchartrain, the Industrial Canal, and the St. Tammany-Orleans Parish line.

(2) The special taxing district shall be known as and is hereby designated "The New Orleans East Development District", hereinafter referred to as the "district", said creation to be effective January 1, 1998.

B. The governing authority exercising the legislative powers of the city, hereinafter referred to collectively as the "city council", shall have such power and control over and responsibility for the functions, affairs, and administration of the district as are prescribed.

C. In order to provide for the orderly planning, development, acquisition, construction, and effectuation of the services, improvements, and facilities to be furnished by the district, and to provide for the representation in the affairs of the district of those persons and interests immediately concerned with and affected by the purposes and development of the district, there is hereby created a board of commissioners for the district, hereinafter referred to as the "board".

D.(1) The board shall be composed of eleven members who shall have their principal place of business in or own property in the district. Such members shall be appointed as follows:

(a) Three members shall be appointed by the New Orleans East Economic Development Foundation, or its successor.

(b) Three members shall be appointed by the New Orleans East Business Association, or its successor.

(c) Two members shall be appointed by the New Orleans and River Region Chamber of Commerce -- East Division, or its successor.

(d) One member shall be appointed by All Congregations Together, New Orleans East Churches.

(e) One member shall be appointed by the UNITE organization.

(f) One member shall be appointed by the Louisiana Business League, New Orleans Metro Chapter.

(2) The members of the board initially appointed shall be appointed as follows: three members for one year each, three members for two years each, three members for three years each, and two members for four years each, the length of the term for each individual appointed to be determined by lot. They shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified. The members of the board thereafter appointed, upon the expiration of the respective terms of the initial appointees, shall be selected and appointed in accordance with the procedures herein prescribed for the selection and appointment of the original members for terms of three years. However, vacancies shall be filled from nominations submitted by the nominating agencies and officials.

(3) As soon as practicable after its appointment, the board shall meet and elect from its number a chairman, a vice chairman, a treasurer, and such other officers as it may deem appropriate. A secretary of the board may be selected from among the members or may be otherwise selected or employed by the board. The duties of the said officers shall be fixed by bylaws adopted by the board. The board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable for conducting its business and affairs and shall engage such assistants and employees as are needed to assist the board in the performance of its duties. It shall hold regular meetings as shall be provided by its bylaws and may hold special meetings at such time and places within or without the district as may be prescribed in its rules or regulations. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The board shall keep minutes of all regular and special meetings and shall make them available to the public in conformance with law. The members of the board shall serve without compensation; however, they shall receive travel allowance as reimbursement for expenses incurred while attending to the business of the district.

E.(1) The board shall prepare or cause to be prepared a plan or plans, such plan or plans and the plan provided for in Subsection F of this Section being hereinafter referred to, collectively, as the "plan", specifying the public improvements, facilities, and services proposed to be furnished, constructed, or acquired for the district, and it shall conduct such public hearings, publish such notice with respect thereto, and disseminate such information as it in the exercise of its sound discretion may deem to be appropriate or advisable and in the public interest. Any plan prepared by the board shall include provisions for marketing the district as an area for economic development incentives, providing for security of persons and property in the district, and a plan for the general beautification of the district as a whole.

(2) Any plan shall include an estimate of the annual and aggregate cost of providing the services, improvements, or facilities set forth therein.

(3) The board shall also submit the plan to the planning commission of the city. The planning commission shall review and consider the plan in order to determine whether or not it is consistent with the comprehensive plan for the city and shall within thirty days following receipt thereof submit to the city council its written opinion as to whether or not the plan or any portion or detail thereof is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan for the city, together with its written comments and recommendations with respect thereto.

F. The city council, in addition to all other taxes which it is now or hereafter may be authorized by law to levy and collect, is hereby authorized to levy and collect as hereinafter specifically provided for a term not to exceed fifteen years from and after the date the first tax is levied pursuant to the provisions of this Section, in the same manner and at the same time as all other ad valorem taxes on property subject to taxation by the city are levied and collected, a special ad valorem tax upon all taxable commercial real property situated within the boundaries of the district. The number of mills hereby authorized shall not exceed ten mills. No such tax shall be levied until a plan requiring or requesting the levy of a tax is finally and conclusively adopted in accordance with the procedures prescribed in this Section. The proceeds of said tax shall be used solely and exclusively for the purposes and benefit of the district. Said proceeds shall be collected by the city of New Orleans and deposited in a separate account. Said tax proceeds shall be paid out by the city of New Orleans solely for the purposes herein provided upon warrants or drafts drawn on the district.

G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section to the contrary, no tax authorized herein shall be levied unless and until the maximum amount of the tax has been approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the district in an election called for that purpose.

H. The district shall have the power to acquire, to lease, to insure, and to sell real property within its boundaries in accordance with its plans.

Acts 1997, No. 1100, §1, eff. July 14, 1997; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 20, §1, eff. June 12, 2011.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4152 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4152
New Orleans; sale of bonds
Status: in_force

All bonds issued under the authority of R.S. 33:4148 shall be sold in the manner provided for sewerage service revenue bonds in R.S. 33:4121(B)(4).

Added by Acts 1981, No. 247, §1, eff. July 1, 1981. Acts 1985, No. 731, §1, eff. July 16, 1985.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4879 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4879
Purpose; firearms buyback program; authorization
Status: in_force

A. It is not the purpose of this Section to discourage private ownership of firearms by law abiding citizens, but rather to provide an avenue by which citizens may safely dispose of firearms they no longer desire to own.

B. Any municipality or parish may institute a firearms buyback program. Funding for the buyback program shall be acquired from cash donations from private businesses and may include funds from the assets, seizures, and forfeitures of any participating law enforcement agency within the jurisdiction of the municipality or parish, and no other public funds shall be used to implement the program. The firearms buyback program shall exist for not more than a thirty-day period in any calendar year or shall exist until the funds acquired or received for the purchase of the firearms are exhausted.

C. The municipality or parish shall promulgate rules of procedure governing the acquisition and disposal of firearms purchased through the program. Such weapons shall either be destroyed or delivered to law enforcement agencies of the municipality or parish for departmental use. Departmental use may include the sale of the firearms at a public auction. The proceeds of the sales shall be used to defray the costs of administering the auction, and any surplus funds shall be deposited into the training fund of the law enforcement agency conducting the sale or may be used by that agency to purchase law enforcement equipment. Any firearm sales authorized pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall comply with all state and federal firearms laws. In no case shall such weapon be given to any individual, except that a stolen weapon shall be returned to its rightful owner on proof of ownership.

Acts 1992, No. 600, §1; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 20, §1, eff. June 12, 2011; Acts 2014, No. 407, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:2551 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 2551
Establishment and maintenance of employment lists
Status: in_force

Except for the positions of entrance firefighter, entrance police officer, entrance jailer, secretary to the chief, departmental records clerk, and for the entrance classes for which the operation and maintenance of radio, alarm, or signal systems for the respective fire or police service is the primary duty, the board shall establish and maintain lists containing names of persons eligible for appointment to the various classes of positions in the classified service as follows:

(1) Names of regular employees who are demoted from any class for a reason other than disciplinary action shall be placed upon the reinstatement list for the class from which they were demoted in the order in which the demotions were made.

(2) Only the names of regular employees who have been laid off in accordance with provisions of R.S. 33:2559 shall be eligible for entry upon the re-employment list. The names of such persons shall be entered upon the re-employment list for the class from which they were laid off in the order in which the layoffs were made.

(3) A name placed upon either the reinstatement or the re-employment list shall remain thereon for a period of four years. The board, however, may remove the name of any person who refuses an offer of employment following a certification from either list.

(4)(a) Except as provided for in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph, names of persons attaining a passing score on a promotion test shall be placed upon the promotion employment list for the class for which they were tested, from highest to lowest, according to their total departmental seniority. The names of persons attaining a passing score on a competitive test shall be placed upon the competitive employment list for the class for which they were tested, from highest to lowest, according to their final test scores.

(b) Names of persons attaining a passing score on the promotional test in the police department for the city of DeRidder or Eunice shall be placed on the promotion employment list for the class for which they were tested, from highest to lowest, according to their total promotional seniority in the next lower class. If two or more persons possess an equal amount of promotional seniority, the names of those persons shall be placed on the promotional list in the order of departmental seniority, from highest to lowest.

(5) Any person whose name is placed upon the competitive employment list for the entrance or lowest ranking class in the classified service who has served in the armed forces of the United States of America during time of war, and who has been honorably discharged or discharged under honorable conditions, shall have added to his final test score a total of five points at the time of placing his name upon the list. Proof of such service and discharge shall be required by the board or state examiner in any manner it deems advisable.

(6)(a) The minimum and maximum period for which a name may remain upon a competitive employment list established and maintained by the board for any of the various classes of positions in the classified fire and police service shall be twelve and eighteen months, respectively, for each list.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the minimum and maximum period for which a name may remain upon a promotional employment list established and maintained by the board for any of the various classes of positions in the classified fire and police service shall be twelve and forty-eight months, respectively, for each list.

(c) The provisions of this Paragraph shall apply to any promotional employment list established and maintained by the board pursuant to this Part for any of the various classes of positions in the classified fire and police service containing the names of eligible persons on and after August 1, 2013.

(7) The employment list for which eligibles are obtained from the results of tests given for that purpose shall be re-established in the manner provided in this Section.

(8)(a) Except as provided in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph, when new names are to be placed upon a promotion list for a given class, the remaining names thereon shall be re-arranged with the new names so that all names appearing upon the list for the class shall rank, from highest to lowest, according to total departmental seniority.

(b) When new names are to be placed on a promotion list for a given class in the police department for the city of DeRidder or Eunice, the remaining names thereon shall be rearranged with the new names so that all names appearing on the list for the class shall rank, from highest to lowest, according to total promotional seniority in the next lower class from which the promotion list is established. If two or more persons possess an equal amount of promotional seniority, the names of those persons shall be placed on the promotional list in the order of departmental seniority, from highest to lowest.

(c) When new names are to be placed upon a competitive list for a given class, the remaining names thereon shall be re-arranged with the new names so that all names appearing upon the list for the class shall rank, from highest to lowest, according to their final test scores.

(9) For purposes of entrance firefighter, entrance police officer, entrance jailer, secretary to the chief, departmental records clerk, and for the entrance classes for which the operation and maintenance of radio, alarm, or signal systems for the respective fire or police service is the primary duty, the state examiner shall establish and maintain a statewide eligibility list containing the names of persons eligible for appointment to these classes by any municipality, parish, or fire protection district under the municipal fire and police civil service system.

Acts 1964, No. 282, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 937, §1; Acts 1992, No. 213, §1; Acts 1993, No. 186, §1; Acts 2006, No. 216, §1, eff. July 1, 2006; Acts 2013, No. 331, §1; Acts 2016, No. 285, §1; Acts 2017, No. 93, §1; Acts 2019, No. 224, §1; Acts 2020, No. 38, §1; Acts 2024, No. 230, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4720.301 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4720.301
Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority
Status: in_force

A. This Chapter may be referred to as the "Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Law".

B. It is hereby found and declared that:

(1) There exist in the city of Shreveport areas which have become slums, blighted, and distressed because of the unsafe, unsanitary, inadequate, or overcrowded condition of the structures therein, or because of inadequate planning for the area, or because of physically or functionally obsolete structures, or because of excessive dwelling unit density, or because of the lack of proper light and air and open space, or because of faulty street or lot design, or inadequate public utilities, or community services, or because of failure to adequately maintain and repair structures, or because of the conversion to incompatible types of land usage, or because of environmental conditions and circumstances. Such conditions, or a combination of some or all of them, have and will continue to result in making such areas economic and social liabilities.

(2) The prevention and elimination of slum, blighted, and distressed properties are matters of public policy and concern, as such areas tend to consume a disproportionate amount of city revenues because of the extra services required for police, fire, accident, and other forms of public protection, services, and facilities.

(3) The salvage, renewal, redevelopment, and reconstruction of such slum, blighted, and distressed areas will promote the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public.

(4) The powers conferred by this Chapter are for public uses, purposes, welfare, and utility for which public money may be expended as necessary and in the public's interest. The provisions provided in this Chapter shall apply for residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, or other purposes and otherwise to encourage the provision of healthful homes, safe neighborhoods, a decent living environment, and adequate places of employment for the people. Such purposes are hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination.

(5) The object of this Chapter is to provide for the following:

(a) The general and economic welfare of the city through housing, commercial, office, hospitality, recreation, education, infrastructure and utility capacity, manufacturing, industrial, research, retail, or other activities which will create or retain jobs, maintain or diversify industry, including new or emerging technologies, or maintain or increase the tax base.

(b) The improvement of conditions of deteriorated physical development, slow economic growth, and eroded financial health of the public and private sectors.

(c) The control, abatement, and prevention of pollution to protect public health and safety, and the development and use of indigenous and renewable energy resources.

(d) Assistance to nonprofit and governmental entities in support of health, educational, charitable, community, cultural, agricultural, consumer, or other services benefiting the citizens.

C.(1) There is hereby created in the city of Shreveport a body politic and corporate which shall exist in perpetuity and shall be known as the Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority, referred to in this Chapter as the "authority".

(2) The authority shall be a special district created pursuant to Article VI, Section 19 of the Constitution of Louisiana and political subdivision of the state as defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution of Louisiana. The authority, acting through its governing board, is hereby granted all of the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities accorded by the laws and the Constitution of Louisiana to political subdivisions of the state, except the authority shall not have the power to impose taxes, issue licenses, incur debt, issue bonds, or expropriate, subject to the limitations provided in this Chapter.

(3) The authority shall not be deemed to be an instrumentality of the state for purposes of Article X, Section 1(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana.

D. The authority, for the purposes of this Chapter, shall formulate a workable program or programs consistent with the Shreveport-Caddo 2030 Master Plan, an approved redevelopment plan for the area, and the city of Shreveport's Consolidated Strategy Plan for using appropriate private and public resources to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of slums and blight, to encourage needed rehabilitation, and to provide for the redevelopment of slum or blighted areas, or to undertake other feasible parochial activities as may be suitably employed to achieve the objectives of such workable program.

E. The authority, to the greatest extent it determines to be feasible in carrying out the provisions of this Chapter, shall seek out cooperative endeavors, including partnerships, joint ventures, and equity participation structures, with nonprofit organizations and private enterprise. The authority shall give consideration to this objective in exercising the powers granted pursuant to this Chapter.

F. The boundaries of the authority shall be comprised of all of the territory located within the corporate limits of the city of Shreveport as they exist now or may be changed.

G.(1) The authority shall be governed by a board of commissioners, referred to in this Chapter as the "board", consisting of nine members appointed by the mayor of the city of Shreveport as follows:

(a) One member appointed by the mayor for an initial term of one year and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(b) One member appointed by the mayor for an initial term of five years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(c) One member appointed by the mayor for an initial term of three years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(d) One member appointed by the mayor from a list of three names from the membership of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, submitted by its board of directors, who shall serve for an initial term of two years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(e) One member appointed by the mayor from a list of three names from the membership of the Shreveport Bar Association, submitted by its executive council, who shall serve an initial term of three years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(f) One member appointed by the mayor from a list of three names from the membership of the Shreveport Chapter of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, submitted by the chapter officers, who shall serve an initial term of four years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(g) One member appointed by the mayor from a list of three names from the membership of The Community Foundation of North Louisiana, submitted by its board of directors, who shall serve an initial term of four years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(h) One member appointed by the mayor from a list of three names from the membership of the Northwest Louisiana Association of REALTORS, submitted by its board of directors, who shall serve an initial term of two years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(i) One member appointed by the mayor from a list of three names from the membership of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Louisiana, submitted by its board of directors, who shall serve an initial term of five years and thereafter the appointment shall be for a term of five years.

(2) The board shall be representative of the city's population by race and gender to ensure diversity.

(3) All appointments shall be subject to confirmation by the governing authority of the city of Shreveport.

(4) Each board member shall be a citizen of the United States, a domiciliary of and a qualified voter in the city of Shreveport for at least one year preceding the date of appointment, and shall remain a domiciliary of and a qualified voter of such jurisdiction during the entirety of the term of office. Furthermore, each board member shall be of good character and shall possess a certain skill, knowledge, or experience that will prove useful in the accomplishment of the goals of the authority as set forth in Subsection B of this Section.

(5)(a) After the initial term of appointment to the board, each board member shall serve a term of five years, unless removed for cause by the board as provided in this Chapter, or removed for any reason by authorized action of the entity that nominated the person for appointment by the mayor.

(b) Any appointment to fill a vacancy which occurs during a board member's term shall be only for the remainder of the unexpired term of the position to which the board member was appointed.

(6) The board shall establish rules and requirements relative to the attendance and participation of members in its meetings, regular or special. Such rules and regulations may prescribe a procedure whereby, should any member fail to comply with such rules and regulations, such member may be disqualified and removed automatically from office by no less than a majority vote of the remaining members of the board, and that member's position shall be vacant as of the first day of the next calendar month. Any person removed under the provisions of this Paragraph shall be ineligible for reappointment to the board, unless such reappointment is confirmed unanimously by the board.

(7) A vacancy on a board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(8) Board members shall serve without compensation, shall have the power to organize and reorganize the executive, administrative, clerical, and other departments and forces of the authority and to fix the duties, powers, and compensation of all employees, agents, and consultants of the authority. The board may reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred in the performance of duties on behalf of the authority.

(9) The board shall elect yearly from its number a chairman, a vice chairman, a secretary, and a treasurer and shall establish their duties as may be regulated by rules adopted by the board. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by the same person. The board may meet in regular session once each month and shall also meet in special session as convened by the chairman or upon written notice signed by four members. A majority of the members of the board, not including vacancies, shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.

(10) All actions of the board shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of that board present and voting. However, no action of the board shall be authorized on the following matters unless approved by a majority of the total board membership:

(a) Adoption of bylaws and other rules and regulations for conduct of the authority's business.

(b) Hiring or firing of any employee or contractor of the authority. This function may by majority vote be delegated by the board to a specified officer or committee of the authority, under such terms and conditions, and to the extent, that the board may specify.

(c) Adoption or amendment of the annual budget.

(d) Sale, lease, encumbrance, or alienation of real property, improvements, or personal property with a value of more than fifty thousand dollars.

(11) Vote by proxy shall not be permitted. Any member may request a recorded vote on any resolution or action of the authority.

(12) The board shall cause minutes and a record to be kept of all its proceedings. Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, the authority shall be subject to the Public Records Law (Chapter 1 of Title 44 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950), the Open Meetings Law (R.S. 42:11 et seq.), and the Code of Governmental Ethics (Chapter 15 of Title 42 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950). Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 42:14, until thirty days prior to the date the board is scheduled to consummate a final sale or lease of any immovable property owned by the authority, the board may meet in executive session to discuss negotiations between the authority and any prospective seller, purchaser, lessor, or lessee of that property. R.S. 44:31 through 35 shall not apply to any records related to the negotiations of or to the terms of such a sale or lease until thirty days prior to the date the board is scheduled to consummate a final sale or lease. The board shall give written public notice of its intention to consummate a final sale or lease at least thirty days prior to the date on which the board intends to take such action. This notice shall comply with the procedural provisions of R.S. 42:19.

H. The authority, through the board, shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this Chapter, including but not limited to the following:

(1) To sue and be sued and as such to stand in judgment.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To acquire by gift, grant, purchase, or lease, and to hold and use any property, immovable, movable, mixed, corporeal, or incorporeal, or any interest therein, necessary or desirable for carrying out the objects and purposes of the authority, and to engage in any action, such as the purchase of insurance, necessary or desirable for the maintenance or improvement of such property.

(4)(a) To sell, lease for a term of up to ninety-nine years, exchange, or otherwise dispose of or transfer to, or with, other political subdivisions of this state or public or private persons at public or private sale any residential, commercial, industrial, or subdivision land, property, improvements, or portions thereof, including real property, which is, in the opinion of the board, appropriate to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority.

(b) Prior to any sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property pursuant to this Paragraph, the authority shall fix the price and terms of the sale, lease, exchange, or other contract to be made with reference to the property. Such sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer shall comply with the terms and provisions of this Chapter.

(c) Any sale of industrial land, as defined by Chapter 8 of Title 51 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and the statutes referenced in that Chapter, shall be in accordance with laws providing for the disposition or transfer of such land.

(d) Other than the requirements of this Chapter, no other law limiting or regulating the form or manner of the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property by public bodies, including without limitation R.S. 41:1338, shall apply to the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition, or transfer of property by the authority. All such sales, leases, conveyances, dispositions, or transfers of property remain subject to the limitations imposed by the Constitution of Louisiana.

(5) To convey to the United States, the state, or to any political subdivision of the state any land, property, right-of-way, easement, servitude, or other thing of value, which the authority may own or acquire, for use by such governmental entity to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority, pursuant to the terms of any appropriate cooperative endeavor agreement.

(6) To make and collect reasonable charges for the use of property of the authority and for services rendered by the authority and to regulate fees or rentals charged for use of privately owned facilities located on property owned or sold by the authority when such facilities are offered for use by the public or by a private industrial, commercial, research, or other economic development entity or activity.

(7) To enter into contracts and agreements with public bodies or public or private entities to achieve the authority's objectives and purposes, including but not limited to contracts for professional, legal, and other services and for the purchase, lease, acquisition, sale, construction, operation, maintenance, marketing, and improvement of land, public works, and facilities, as the board may deem necessary or convenient to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority.

(8) To plan, develop, regulate, operate, and maintain activities and planned land uses to foster creation of new jobs, economic development, industry, health care, general public and social welfare, commerce, manufacturing, tourism, relocation of people and businesses to the area, shipbuilding, aviation, military, warehousing, transportation, offices, recreation, housing development, and conservation.

(9) To acquire land and improvements to construct, operate, and maintain facilities, improvements, and infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges, drainage, and utilities, and to perform other functions and activities on property owned or leased by the authority to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the authority. However, the authority is prohibited from constructing, operating, or maintaining any water, electric, or gas utility facilities which duplicate, curtail, impair, or directly compete with a regulated water, electric, or gas utility facility operating in or adjacent to the property owned or leased by the authority.

(10) To develop, activate, construct, exchange, acquire, improve, repair, operate, maintain, lease, mortgage, sell, and grant a security device affecting the movable and immovable property, servitudes, facilities, and works within the jurisdiction of the authority under such terms and conditions as the board may deem necessary or appropriate for any public purpose, including industrial, residential, subdivision, and commercial development.

(11) To borrow money and to pledge or grant a security device affecting all or part of its revenues, leases, rents, and other advantages as security for such loans.

(12) To appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation.

(13) To undertake and carry out redevelopment projects and related activities.

(14) To apply for and accept advances, leases, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the federal government, the state, parish of Caddo, city of Shreveport, or other public bodies, or from any sources, public or private, for the purposes of this Chapter, and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out contracts or agreements in connection therewith; and to include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government such conditions imposed pursuant to federal laws as the board may deem reasonable and appropriate and which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter.

(15) To make or have made all surveys and plans necessary to the carrying out of the purposes of this Chapter and to adopt or approve, modify, and amend such plans, which plans may include but are not limited to:

(a) Plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements.

(b) Plans for the enforcement of state and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements and to the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal of buildings and improvements.

(c) Appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other plans and work necessary to prepare for the undertaking of redevelopment projects and related activities.

(16) To develop, test, and report methods and techniques and carry out demonstrations and other activities for the prevention and the elimination of slums and urban blight, including developing and demonstrating new or improved means of providing housing or continuing care, assisted living, or independent living or other similar type housing for elderly or retired persons or other persons desiring such housing facilities.

(17) To make and from time to time amend and repeal bylaws, orders, rules, and regulations in order to effectuate the provisions of this Chapter.

(18) To exercise all or any part or combination of powers herein granted by this Chapter.

(19) To purchase property at a sale conducted pursuant to enforcement of judicial mortgages created in accordance with R.S. 13:2575(C) by tendering a bid equal to or greater than the minimum bid advertised, which bid may be a credit bid consisting of the obligation of the authority to satisfy the bid by payment to the political subdivision holding the lien being enforced in accordance with intergovernmental agreements between the authority and such political subdivision. Such a bid shall be given priority over all other bids regardless of amount, except for a higher bid submitted by a conventional mortgage holder holding a mortgage on the subject property.

I. The exercise by the board of the powers conferred by virtue of this Chapter shall be deemed and held to be an essential governmental function of the state and city of Shreveport. As the exercise of the powers granted by this Chapter will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state of Louisiana and city of Shreveport, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, the authority shall not be required to pay any taxes, including but not limited to sales and use taxes, ad valorem, occupational licensing, income, or any other taxes of any kind or nature, or fees or assessments upon any property held, acquired, or used by the authority under the provisions of this Chapter, or upon the income therefrom. The authority shall not be deemed to be a public utility and shall not be subject in any respect to the authority, control, regulation, or supervision of the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

J.(1) The authority may purchase adjudicated properties within its territorial jurisdiction from any political subdivision of the state of Louisiana. No such purchase shall be construed to, or otherwise have the effect of, extending or suspending the period prescribed by law for the redemption of the property by the tax debtor or any other person.

(2) In addition to the authority set forth in Subpart B of Part IV of Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, such purchases by the authority may be by a direct negotiated purchase and sale agreement between the authority and a political subdivision without any other requirement of a public sale prior to the transfer of such properties to the authority. Such purchases by the authority shall not be considered the sale of surplus property or of property owned by the political subdivision.

(3) Effective upon the recordation of the transfer of an adjudicated property to the authority pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement, the rights of the authority in and to such property shall be the rights of a purchaser at a tax sale as contemplated by Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, subject only to the rights of redemption of the property set forth in Article VII, Section 25(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, and the property shall no longer be deemed to be adjudicated property as of such recordation. For purposes of the right of redemption in Article VII, Section 25(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, the redemption period commences on the date of the recordation of the initial adjudication to the political subdivision and not on the date of transfer to the authority.

(4) Any such purchase and sale agreement shall set forth the total consideration to be paid by the authority and the method and timing of payment of such consideration by the authority.

(5) The state and any political subdivision with liens on the property may, pursuant to intergovernmental agreements with the authority, cancel such liens contemporaneously with or subject to the transfer of the property to the authority.

(6)(a) The authority shall have the right, subject to the provisions of this Section, to purchase properties at tax sales conducted in accordance with Part III of Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and any and all such purchases shall be a purchase pursuant to those provisions and not an adjudication to a political subdivision.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 5 of Subtitle III of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, the authority may tender a bid at a tax sale which is a credit bid, consisting of the obligation of the authority to satisfy the component parts of the bid by payments to the respective political subdivisions and taxing entities in accordance with intergovernmental agreements between the authority and such political subdivisions and taxing entities.

(7) The authority shall submit annual reports to the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs and the Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs and each member of the Shreveport legislative delegation concerning property purchased by the authority. Such report shall be filed by March first each year and shall cover the previous calendar year. Each report shall include:

(a) The legal description or other indication of the location of each property purchased.

(b) The amount paid for each property.

(c) The minimum bid that was set for the property and the appraised value of the property.

(d) A general description of the authority's plans for the property and how such plans advance the purposes for which the authority is created.

K.(1) The authority shall have the power to create and execute redevelopment or development plans for specified areas within its territorial jurisdiction. The implementation of all such plans shall not proceed until, to the extent required by law, the authority has obtained the approval of the local planning commission or zoning board. In the execution of such a redevelopment plan, the authority shall have the powers provided in this Subsection. The fact that a certain power is expressed or implied in this Paragraph as pertinent to the authority's execution of a redevelopment plan shall not suggest or imply that such power is otherwise denied to the authority.

(2) A redevelopment plan shall include a definition of the redevelopment area. This area, or any part thereof, may be further designated as a subdistrict of the authority.

(3) The authority may sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise transfer immovable property or any interest therein acquired by it for residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, or other uses or for public use, subject to such covenants, conditions, and restrictions, including covenants running with the land, as it may deem to be necessary or desirable to assist in carrying out the purposes of this Chapter. The purchasers or lessees and their successors and assigns shall be obligated to devote such immovable property only to the uses as the authority may determine to be in the public interest, including the obligation to begin within a reasonable time any improvements on such immovable property. Such immovable property or interest shall be sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise transferred at not less than its fair value for uses in accordance with the redevelopment or development plan. In determining the fair value of immovable property for uses in accordance with the redevelopment or development plans, the authority shall take into account and give consideration to the use provided in such plan; the restrictions upon and the covenants, conditions, and obligations assumed by the purchaser or lessee; and the objectives of such plan. The authority, in any instrument of conveyance to a private purchaser or lessee, may provide that such purchaser or lessee shall be without power to sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise transfer the immovable property without the prior written consent of the authority until such purchaser or lessee has completed the construction of any and all improvements which he has obligated himself to construct thereon. Immovable property acquired in accordance with the provisions of the plan shall be transferred as rapidly as feasible in the public interest, consistent with the carrying out of the provisions of the project plan. Such plan and any substantial modification of such plan shall be filed as a public record in the office of the clerk of the parish, and any conveyances, encumbrances, or other contracts may incorporate the provisions thereof by reference which shall afford notice thereof to all parties.

(4) The authority may dispose of, sell, exchange, or lease immovable property in a redevelopment area to any private person for the fair market value of the property as determined by a certified and competent appraiser, or to any private person pursuant to reasonable competitive bidding procedures as it shall prescribe subject to the provisions set forth in this Paragraph. Such reasonable bidding procedures must include public notice, by publication once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation in the community, inviting proposals from and making available all pertinent information to private redevelopers or any persons interested in undertaking to redevelop or rehabilitate a redevelopment area or any part thereof. Such notice shall identify the area, or portion thereof, and shall state that proposals shall be made by those in interest within thirty days after publication of such notice, and that such further information as is available may be obtained at such office as shall be designated in the notice. The board shall consider all such redevelopment or rehabilitation proposals and the financial and legal ability of the persons making such proposals to carry them out, and may negotiate with any persons for proposals for the purchase, lease, or other transfer of any immovable property acquired by the authority in the redevelopment area. The board may accept such proposals as it deems to be in the public interest and in furtherance of the purposes of this Chapter. Such notice, and all contracts to sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise transfer immovable property under the provisions of this Chapter, shall be a public record and shall include the name of the redeveloper or purchaser, together with the names of its officers, principal members or shareholders, investors and other interested parties, the redeveloper's estimate of the cost of any residential development and rehabilitations, and the redeveloper's estimate of rentals and sales prices of any proposed housing involved in such redevelopment and rehabilitation. Thereafter, the board may execute such contracts in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and deliver acts of sale, leases, and other instruments and take all steps necessary to effectuate such contracts.

(5) The authority may temporarily operate, maintain, or lease immovable property acquired by it in a redevelopment area for or in connection with a redevelopment project pending disposition of the property as authorized in this Chapter for such uses and purposes as may be deemed desirable even though not in connection with the redevelopment plan.

(6) Any immovable property within a redevelopment area acquired pursuant to Subsection J of this Section may be disposed of without regard to the other provisions of this Chapter. Immovable property acquired in accordance with the redevelopment plan may be disposed of to a public body for public reuse without regard to the provisions of this Subsection.

(7) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter where an area in the city of Shreveport is designated as a redevelopment area under the Federal Area Redevelopment Act (Public Law 87-27), or any Act supplementary thereto, land in a redevelopment project area designated under the redevelopment plan for industrial or commercial uses may be disposed of to any public body or nonprofit corporation for subsequent disposition as promptly as practical by the public body or corporation for redevelopment in accordance with the redevelopment plan, and only the purchaser from or lessee of the public body or corporation, and their assignees, shall be required to assume the obligation of beginning the building of improvements within a reasonable time. Any disposition of land to a public body or corporation under this Paragraph shall be at its fair value for uses in accordance with the redevelopment plan.

L.(1) The authority may, in the implementation of a redevelopment plan, create one or more subdistricts to conduct, oversee, or assist in the implementation of such redevelopment plan. The boundaries of such a subdistrict may include all or part of the redevelopment area. Such a subdistrict shall have and exercise such powers and responsibilities as the authority shall specify in the enabling resolution. The full extent of such powers and responsibilities may include such powers as the authority itself may exercise, and such other powers as are given to the subdistrict by this Paragraph or any other law, but any exercise of such powers by the subdistrict shall be confined solely to the geographical limits of the subdistrict. Such a subdistrict may be established to exist at the pleasure of the authority, or for any period of time, or until the happening of any occurrence or occurrences, that the authority may specify.

(2) The creation of a subdistrict shall in no instance result in the detachment, severance, or loss of any power or responsibility granted to the authority by this Chapter, and within the confines of any subdistrict, the authority shall have full jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the subdistrict, to exercise such powers and responsibilities. The fact that a certain power is expressed or implied in this Paragraph as pertinent to a subdistrict's conduct, oversight, or assistance in the implementation of the redevelopment plan shall not suggest or imply that such power is otherwise denied to the authority.

(3) Unless otherwise specified in the resolution or other formal act creating the subdistrict, the board members of the authority shall constitute the governing authority of the subdistrict.

(4) In addition to the other powers it may be granted, a subdistrict may enjoy, within its geographical boundaries, the powers of tax increment financing, and those other powers that may be exercised by an economic development district created by a local governmental subdivision pursuant to R.S. 33:9038.32. The subdistrict shall remain subject to all limitations and reservations applicable to the powers of the authority.

M. For the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of a redevelopment or development project and related activities authorized by this Chapter, any public body may, upon such terms, with or without consideration as it may determine, do any of the following:

(1) Dedicate, sell, convey, or lease any of its interest in any property or grant easements, licenses, or other rights or privileges therein to the authority.

(2) Incur the entire expense of any public improvements made by such public body.

(3) Do any and all things necessary to aid or cooperate in the planning or carrying out of a redevelopment plan and related activities.

(4) Lend, grant, or contribute funds to the authority in accordance with an appropriate cooperative endeavor agreement and borrow money and apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the government of the United States, the state of Louisiana, parish of Caddo, city of Shreveport, or other public body, or from any other source.

(5) Enter into agreements which may extend over any period notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary with the federal government or other public body respecting action to be taken pursuant to any of the powers granted by this Chapter, including the furnishing of funds or other assistance in connection with a redevelopment project and related activities.

(6) Cause public buildings and public facilities, including parks, playgrounds, recreational, community, educational, water, sewer, or drainage facilities, or any other works which it is otherwise empowered to undertake to be furnished; furnish, dedicate, close, vacate, pave, install, grade, regrade, plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places; plan or replan, zone or rezone, or make exceptions from building regulations.

N. Any instrument executed, in proper form and with proper certification of authority, by the authority purporting to convey any right, title, or interest in any property under this Chapter shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed in compliance with provisions of this Chapter insofar as title or other interest of any bona fide purchasers, lessees, or transferees of the property is concerned.

O. As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them:

(1) "Federal government" means any department, agency, or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.

(2) "Owners of a property interest" means anyone with a corporeal or incorporeal interest in immovable property filed for record in the conveyance records or mortgage records of the clerk of court and ex officio recorder of mortgages for the parish where the property is located, including a naked owner, a usufructuary, a mortgagee, a judgment creditor, or a holder of a personal or predial servitude.

(3) "Public body" means the state, any parish and any city and any board, authority, agency, district, subdivision, department, or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the state, parish, or city.

(4) "Real property" or "immovable property" means any and all right, title, and interest in a tract of land, including its component parts and liens by way of judgment, mortgage, or otherwise.

P. Insofar as the provisions of this Chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, the provisions of this Chapter shall be controlling. However, the authority shall be subject to the provisions of the Local Government Fair Competition Act, R.S. 45:844.41 et seq. The authority conferred by this Chapter shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.

Q.(1) In addition to other powers granted to the authority pursuant to this Chapter, the authority may initiate an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection to quiet title to immovable property held by the authority, interests in property purchased by the authority at tax sales, or in formerly adjudicated properties acquired by the authority from a political subdivision, by recording with the conveyance records of the clerk of court and ex officio recorder of mortgages a notice of pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action. The notice shall include a legal description of the property; the street address of the property if available; the name, address, and telephone number of the authority; a statement that the property is subject to expedited quiet title proceedings and foreclosure under this Subsection; and a statement that any legal interests in the property may be extinguished by a district court order vesting title to the property in the authority. If a notice is recorded in error, the authority may correct the error by recording a certificate of correction with the register of conveyances. A notice or certificate under this Subsection need not be notarized and may be authenticated by a digital signature or other electronic means. If the authority has reason to believe that a property subject to an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection may be the site of environmental contamination, the authority shall provide the Department of Environmental Quality with any information in the possession of the authority that suggests the property may be the site of environmental contamination.

(2) After recording the notice under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the authority shall initiate a search of records identified in this Paragraph to identify the owners of a property interest in the property who are entitled to notice of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under this Subsection. The authority may enter into a contract with or may request from one or more authorized representatives a title search or other title product to identify the owners of a property interest in the property as required under this Paragraph or to perform the other functions set forth in this Subsection required for the quieting of title to property. The owner of a property interest is entitled to notice under this Section if that owner's interest was identifiable by reference to either of the following sources before the date that the authority records the notice under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection:

(a) Land title records in the office of the recorder of mortgages and the register of conveyances.

(b) Tax records in the office of the assessor.

(3) The authority may file a single petition with the district court to expedite foreclosure under this Subsection listing all property subject to expedited foreclosure by the authority and for which the authority seeks to quiet title. If available to the authority, the list of properties shall include a legal description of, a tax parcel identification number for, and the street address of each parcel of property. The petition shall seek a judgment in favor of the authority against each property listed and shall include a date, within ninety days of filing, on which the authority requests a hearing on the petition. The petition shall request that a judgment be entered vesting absolute title in the authority for each parcel of property listed, as provided in this Paragraph. Prior to the entry of judgment under this Paragraph, the authority may request the court to remove property erroneously included in the petition or any tax delinquent properties redeemed prior to the hearing.

(4) The district court in which a petition is filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection shall immediately set the date, time, and place for a hearing on the petition for foreclosure. The date shall be set by the court and shall not be more than ten days after the date requested by the authority in the petition. In no event may the court schedule the hearing later than ninety days after the filing of a petition by the authority under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection.

(5) After completing the records search under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the authority shall determine the address or addresses reasonably calculated to inform those owners of a property interest in property subject to expedited foreclosure under this Subsection of the pendency of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection. If, after conducting the title search, the authority is unable to determine an address reasonably calculated to inform persons with a property interest in property subject to expedited tax foreclosure, or if the authority discovers a deficiency in notice under this Subsection, the following shall be considered reasonable steps by the authority to ascertain the addresses of persons with a property interest in the property subject to expedited foreclosure or to ascertain an address necessary to correct a deficiency in notice under this Subsection:

(a) For an individual, a search of records of the recorder of mortgages and the register of conveyances.

(b) For a business entity, a search of business entity records filed with the commercial division of the Department of State.

(c) For a state or federal chartered depositary financial institution, a search of entity records filed with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions or with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

(6) Not less than thirty days before the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the authority shall send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the hearing to the persons identified under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection who have a property interest in property subject to expedited foreclosure. The authority shall also send a notice via regular mail addressed to the "Occupant" for each property subject to expedited foreclosure if an address for the property is ascertainable.

(7) Not less than thirty days before the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the authority or its authorized representative or authorized agent shall visit each parcel of property subject to expedited foreclosure and post on the property conspicuous notice of the hearing. In addition to the requirements of Paragraph (8) of this Subsection, the notice shall also include the following statement: "This Property has been transferred to the Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority and is subject to an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action. Persons with information regarding the prior owner of the property are requested to contact the Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority."

(8) The notices required under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection shall include all of the following:

(a) The date on which the authority recorded, under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, notice of the pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action.

(b) A statement that a person with a property interest in the property may lose his interest as a result of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection.

(c) A legal description, parcel number of the property, and the street address of the property, if available.

(d) The person to whom the notice is addressed.

(e) The date and time of the hearing on the petition for foreclosure under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, and a statement that the judgment of the court may result in title to the property vesting in the authority.

(f) An explanation of any rights of redemption and notice that the judgment of the court may extinguish any ownership interest in or right to redeem the property.

(g) The name, address, and telephone number of the authority.

(h) A statement that persons with information regarding the owner or prior owner of any of the properties are requested to contact the authority.

(9) If the authority is unable to ascertain the address reasonably calculated to inform the owners of a property interest entitled to notice under this Section, or is unable to provide notice under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection, the authority shall provide notice by publication. Prior to the hearing, a notice shall be published for three successive weeks, once each week, in a newspaper published and circulated in the parish. The published notice shall include all of the following:

(a) A legal description, parcel number of the property, and the street address of the property, if available.

(b) The name of any person not notified under Paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Subsection that the authority reasonably believes may be entitled to notice under this Section of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection.

(c) A statement that a person with a property interest in the property may lose his interest as a result of the foreclosure proceeding under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection.

(d) The date and time of the hearing on the petition for foreclosure under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection.

(e) A statement that the judgment of the court may result in title to the property vesting in the authority.

(f) An explanation of any rights of redemption and notice that judgment of the court may extinguish any ownership interest in or right to redeem the property.

(g) The name, address, and telephone number of the authority.

(h) A statement that persons with information regarding the owner or prior owner of any of the properties are requested to contact the authority.

(10) If prior to the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the authority discovers any deficiency in the provision of notice under this Subsection, the authority shall take reasonable steps in good faith to correct the deficiency before the hearing. The provisions of this Subsection relating to notice of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing are exclusive and exhaustive. Other requirements relating to notice and proof of service under other law, rule, or other legal requirement are not applicable to notice or proof of service under this Subsection.

(11) If a petition for expedited quiet title and foreclosure is filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection, before the hearing, the authority shall file with the clerk of the district court proof of notice by certified mail under Paragraph (6) of this Subsection, proof of notice by posting on the property under Paragraph (7) of this Subsection, and proof of notice by publication, if applicable, pursuant to Paragraph (9) of this Subsection. A person claiming an interest in a parcel of property set forth in the petition for foreclosure, including a current holder of a conventional mortgage, who desires to contest that petition shall file written objections with the clerk of the district court and serve those objections on the authority before the date of the hearing. A holder of a conventional mortgage may object to the action and is entitled to a dismissal of the proceedings by the district court upon a showing that it is the holder of a legally enforceable conventional mortgage and upon payment of the outstanding amount of any liens, taxes, and related costs. The district court may appoint and utilize as the court considers necessary a curator for assistance with the resolution of any objections to the foreclosure or questions regarding the title to property subject to foreclosure. If the court withholds property from foreclosure, the authority's ability to include the property in a subsequent petition for expedited quiet title and foreclosure is not prejudiced. No injunction shall issue to stay an expedited quiet title and foreclosure action under this Subsection. The district court shall enter judgment on a petition to quiet title and foreclosure filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection not more than ten days after the conclusion of the hearing or contested case, and the judgment shall become effective ten days after the conclusion of the hearing or contested case. The district court's judgment shall specify all of the following:

(a) The legal description and, if known, the street address of the property foreclosed.

(b) That title to property foreclosed by the judgment is vested absolutely in the authority, except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs (3) and (5) of this Subsection, without any further rights of redemption.

(c) That all liens against the property, including any lien for unpaid taxes or special assessments, are extinguished.

(d) That, except as otherwise provided in Subparagraph (e) of this Paragraph, the authority has good and marketable title to the property.

(e) That all existing recorded and unrecorded interests in that property are extinguished, except a visible or recorded easement or right-of-way or private deed restrictions.

(f) A finding that all persons entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard have been provided that notice and opportunity. A person shall be deemed to have been provided notice and an opportunity to be heard if the authority followed the procedures for provision of notice by mail, by visits to property subject to expedited quiet title and foreclosure, and by publication under this Subsection, or if one or more of the following apply:

(i) The person had constructive notice of the hearing by acquiring an interest in the property after the date of the recording, under Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, of the notice of pending expedited quiet title and foreclosure action.

(ii) The person appeared at the hearing or submitted written objections to the district court under this Subsection prior to the hearing.

(iii) Prior to the hearing under this Paragraph, the person had actual notice of the hearing.

(12) Except as otherwise provided in Subparagraph (11)(e) of this Subsection, title to property set forth in a petition for foreclosure filed under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection shall vest absolutely in the authority upon the effective date of the judgment by the district court, and the authority shall have absolute title to the property. The authority's title shall not be subject to any recorded or unrecorded lien, except as provided in Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, and shall not be stayed or held invalid, except as provided in Paragraph (13) of this Subsection. A judgment entered under this Subsection is a final order with respect to the property affected by the judgment and shall not be modified, stayed, or held invalid after the effective date of the judgment, except as provided in Paragraph (13) of this Subsection.

(13) The authority or a person claiming to have a property interest under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection in property foreclosed under this Subsection may, within twenty-one days of the effective date of the judgment under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, appeal the district court's order or the district court's judgment foreclosing property to the court of appeals. The appeal of the judgment shall be entitled to preference and priority and shall be handled on an expedited basis by the court of appeal and, if applicable, the Louisiana Supreme Court. In such cases, the record shall be prepared and filed within fifteen days of the granting of the order of appeal. The court of appeal shall hear the case within thirty days after the filing of the appellee's brief. An appeal under this Paragraph is limited to the record of the proceedings in the district court under this Subsection. The district court's judgment foreclosing property shall be stayed until the court of appeal has reversed, modified, or affirmed that judgment. If an appeal under this Paragraph stays the district court's judgment foreclosing property, the district court's judgment is stayed only as to the property that is the subject of that appeal, and the district court's judgment foreclosing other property that is not the subject of that appeal is not stayed. To appeal the district court's judgment foreclosing property, a person appealing the judgment shall pay to the authority any taxes, interest, penalties, and fees due on the property and provide notice of the appeal to the authority within twenty-one days after the district court's judgment becomes effective. If the district court's judgment foreclosing the property is affirmed on appeal, the amount determined to be due shall be refunded to the person who appealed the judgment. If the district court's judgment foreclosing the property is reversed or modified on appeal, the authority shall refund the amount determined to be due to the person who appealed the judgment, if any, and forward the balance to the appropriate taxing jurisdictions in accordance with the order of the court of appeal.

(14) The authority shall record a notice of judgment for each parcel of foreclosed property in the office of the register of conveyances. If the authority records a notice of judgment in error, the authority may subsequently record a certificate of correction. A notice or certificate under this Paragraph need not be notarized and may be authenticated by a digital signature or other electronic means. After the entry of a judgment foreclosing the property under this Subsection, if the property has not been transferred by the authority, the authority may cancel the foreclosure by recording with the register of conveyances a certificate of error, if the authority discovers any of the following:

(a) The description of the property used in the expedited quiet title and foreclosure proceeding was so indefinite or erroneous that the foreclosure of the property was void.

(b) An owner of an interest in the property entitled to notice of the expedited quiet title and proceedings against the property under this Subsection was not provided notice sufficient to satisfy the minimum due process requirements of the Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States.

(c) A judgment of foreclosure was entered under this Subsection in violation of an order issued by a United States bankruptcy court.

(15) If a judgment of foreclosure is entered under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, and all existing recorded and unrecorded interests in a parcel of property are extinguished as provided in Paragraph (11) of this Subsection, the owner of any extinguished recorded or unrecorded interest in that property who claims that he did not receive notice of the expedited quiet title and foreclosure action shall not bring an action for possession of the property against any subsequent owner but may only bring an action to recover monetary damages from the authority as provided in this Paragraph. The district court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in any action to recover monetary damages under this Paragraph. An action to recover monetary damages under this Paragraph shall not be brought more than two years after a judgment for foreclosure is entered under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection. Any monetary damages recoverable under this Paragraph shall be determined as of the date a judgment for foreclosure is entered under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection and shall not exceed the fair market value of the interest in the property held by the person bringing the action under this Subsection on that date, less any taxes, interest, penalties, and fees owed on the property as of that date. The right to sue for monetary damages under this Paragraph shall not be transferable except by testate or intestate succession.

(16) The owner of a property interest with notice of the quiet title and foreclosure hearing under Paragraph (11) of this Subsection may not assert either of the following:

(a) That notice to the owner was insufficient or inadequate in any way because some other owner of a property interest in the property was not notified.

(b) That any right to redeem tax-reverted property was extended in any way because some other person was not notified.

(17) A person holding or formerly holding an interest in tax-reverted property subject to expedited foreclosure under this Subsection is barred from questioning the validity of the expedited foreclosure under this Subsection.

(18) The failure of the authority to comply with any provision of this Subsection shall not invalidate any proceeding under this Subsection if a person with a property interest in property subject to foreclosure was accorded the minimum due process required under the Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States.

(19) It is the intent of the legislature that the provisions of this Subsection relating to the expedited quiet title and foreclosure of property by the authority satisfy the minimum requirements of due process required under the Constitution of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States but that the provisions do not create new rights beyond those granted by the Constitution of Louisiana or the Constitution of the United States. The failure of the authority to follow a requirement of this Section relating to the expedited quiet title and foreclosure of property held by the authority shall not be construed to create a claim or cause of action against the authority unless the minimum requirements of due process accorded under the Constitution of Louisiana or the Constitution of the United States are violated.

(20) As used in this Subsection, "authorized representative" includes one or more of the following:

(a) A title insurance company or agent licensed to conduct business in this state.

(b) An attorney licensed to practice law in this state.

(c) A person accredited in land title search procedures by a nationally recognized organization in the field of land title searching.

(d) A person with demonstrated experience in the field of searching land title records, as determined by the authority.

(21) As used in this Subsection, "district court" shall mean the First Judicial District Court.

Acts 2015, No. 432, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4572 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4572
Board of commissioners; appointment and tenure; organization; secretary-treasurer; compensation
Status: in_force

A. Any special district created under the provisions of R.S. 33:4571 shall be governed by a board of commissioners who shall be qualified voters and residents of the area contained in the district. The members of the board shall be appointed as follows:

(1) In special districts created by the governing authority of a single parish with a population of less than four hundred seventy-five thousand, the board of commissioners shall be composed of five members appointed as follows:

(a) One member, who shall be appointed by the governing authority of the parish creating the district.

(b) One member, who shall be appointed collectively by the chief executives of the municipalities contained in the district.

(c) Three members, who shall be appointed by a majority vote of the legislative delegation representing the representative or senatorial district or districts in which the special district is located, the senators and representatives having equal votes.

(2) In special districts created by the governing authority of a single parish with a population of over four hundred seventy-five thousand the board of commissioners shall be composed of five members, appointed as may be determined by such governing authority.

(3)(a) In any special district created by the governing authorities of more than one parish under the provisions of R.S. 33:4571, the board of commissioners shall be composed of five members to be appointed by the governing authority of each parish, which parish or portion thereof comprises such special district, such members to be appointed by each governing authority in accordance with Paragraph (1) or (2), whichever is applicable, of this Subsection.

(b) If any parish shall create a special district comprised solely of all or part of such single parish, and shall subsequently enter into agreement with another parish or parishes to form a multiparish special district in accordance with R.S. 33:4571, the members serving as the members of the board of commissioners for the single parish special district shall become the members of the board of commissioners to the new multiparish special district from that parish.

(c) The commissioners initially appointed shall be appointed for terms of one, two, three, four, and five years, the length of the term for each individual appointed to be determined by lot. They shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified. The commissioners thereafter appointed at the expiration of the respective terms of the initial appointees shall be appointed in the manner of the original appointments for terms of five years. Any vacancy which otherwise occurs shall be filled by appointment in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired term.

B. At its first meeting, the board of commissioners shall elect from its membership a chairman and a vice-chairman. Special meetings may be held at such time and place as specified by the call of the chairman of the board or by resolution of the board of commissioners. The board of commissioners shall also select one person as secretary-treasurer who shall not be a member of the board but shall be a qualified voter and resident of the district. He shall furnish such bond as may be required by the board of commissioners. The premium on the bond shall be paid out of funds of the district. The secretary-treasurer shall receive such salary and office expense allowance, if any, as shall be fixed and determined by the board of commissioners. He shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The members of the board of commissioners shall each receive a per diem not to exceed fifty dollars for each meeting they attend, but shall not be paid for more than twelve meetings in each year. Such per diem shall be set by the local governing authority and paid out of the funds of the district.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 605, §1; Acts 1972, No. 110, §1; Amended by Acts 1981, No. 397, §1; Acts 1982, No. 133, §1; Acts 1991, No. 289, §10.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9097.41 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9097.41
Brookstown Area Crime Prevention and Improvement District
Status: in_force

A. Creation. There is hereby created within the parish of East Baton Rouge, as more specifically provided in Subsection B of this Section, a body politic and corporate which shall be known as the Brookstown Area Crime Prevention and Improvement District, hereinafter referred to as the "district". The district shall be a political subdivision of the state as defined in the Constitution of Louisiana.

B. Boundaries. The boundaries of the district shall encompass the area included within the following perimeter: beginning at the intersection of Prescott Road and Airline Highway, then west along Prescott Road to its intersection with North Foster Drive, then north along North Foster Drive to its intersection with Airline Highway, then southeast along Airline Highway to the point of beginning.

C. Purpose. The purpose of the district shall be to aid in crime prevention and to add to the security of district residents by providing for an increase in the presence of law enforcement personnel in the district.

D. Governance. (1) The district shall be governed by a board of commissioners consisting of seven members as follows:

(a) The president of the Brookstown Neighborhood Homeowners Association shall be an ex officio member.

(b) The board of directors of the Brookstown Neighborhood Homeowners Association or its successor shall appoint one member.

(c) The member or members of the Louisiana House of Representatives who represent the area which comprises the district shall appoint one member.

(d) The member or members of the Louisiana Senate who represent the area which comprises the district shall appoint one member.

(e) The assessor for East Baton Rouge Parish shall appoint one member.

(f) The mayor-president shall appoint one member.

(g) The member or members of the metropolitan council who represent the district shall appoint one member.

(2) All members of the board shall own property within the district.

(3)(a) The terms of the members appointed pursuant to Subparagraphs (1)(c) through (g) of this Subsection shall be concurrent with the respective appointing authority.

(b) The member serving pursuant to Subparagraph (1)(a) of this Subsection shall serve during his term of office as president of the Brookstown Neighborhood Homeowners Association.

(c) The member serving pursuant to Subparagraph (1)(b) of this Subsection shall serve an initial term of two years, and each successor of such member shall serve a four-year term. Vacancies resulting from the expiration of a term or any other reason shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment. Members shall be eligible for reappointment.

(4) The members of the board shall select from among themselves a president and such other officers as they deem appropriate. The terms and responsibilities of officers shall be as provided by the bylaws of the board.

(5) The members of the board shall serve without compensation and shall not receive reimbursement for expenses.

E. Powers and duties. The district, acting through its board of commissioners, shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To sue and be sued.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To receive and expend funds collected pursuant to Subsection F of this Section and in accordance with a budget adopted as provided by Subsection G of this Section.

(4) To enter into contracts with individuals or entities, private or public, for the provision of security patrols in the district.

(5) To purchase items and supplies which the board deems instrumental to achieving the purpose of the district.

(6) To perform or have performed any other function or activity necessary for the achievement of the purpose of the district.

F. Parcel fee. The governing authority of the district is hereby authorized to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection:

(1) The amount of the fee shall be as requested by duly adopted resolution of the governing authority of the district. The fee, however, shall not exceed one hundred fifty dollars per parcel per year.

(2)(a) The fee shall be imposed on each improved parcel located within the district.

(b) For purposes of this Section, "parcel" means a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, or an individual tract and does not mean a "condominium parcel" as defined in R.S. 9:1121.103. Thus, with respect to condominiums, the fee collector shall impose the parcel fee on each lot on which condominiums are situated and not on individual condominium units.

(c) The owner of the parcel shall be responsible for payment of the fee. The tax collector shall submit the bill for a parcel fee which is to be collected from condominium owners to the condominium owners association, and the association shall pay the fee from funds available for that purpose. The association shall remain liable for the entire fee until it is paid.

(3)(a) The fee shall be imposed only after the question of its imposition has been approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district voting at a regularly scheduled primary or general election held for that purpose in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. At least thirty days prior to any election held to approve imposition of a parcel fee, the board of commissioners shall mail notification of the upcoming election to each registered voter of the district and to the owner of a parcel if the owner is not a registered voter of the district. No other election shall be required except as provided by this Paragraph.

(b) The fee shall expire four years from its initial levy but may be renewed as provided in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph. If renewed, the term of the imposition of the fee shall be as provided in the proposition authorizing such renewal, not to exceed ten years.

(4) The fee shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes are collected by the sheriff, as ex officio tax collector, of East Baton Rouge Parish. The sheriff shall collect and remit to the district all amounts collected not more than sixty days after collection. The sheriff shall retain the same commissions as the sheriff receives for the collection of ad valorem taxes.

(5) Any parcel fee which is unpaid shall be added to the tax rolls of the city and shall be enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes.

G. Budget. (1) The board of commissioners shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act, R.S. 39:1301 et seq. The budget and all amendments shall be subject to the approval of the district.

(2) The district shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor pursuant to R.S. 24:513.

H. Miscellaneous provisions. (1) It is the purpose and intent of this Section that the additional law enforcement personnel and their services provided for through the fees authorized in this Section shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of personnel and services provided in the district by the city of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.

(2) If the district ceases to exist, any funds of the district shall be transmitted to the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish and shall be used for law enforcement purposes in the district.

Acts 2024, No. 778, §1, eff. May 21, 2024; Acts 2025, No. 164, §1, eff. June 8, 2025.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9091.9 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9091.9
Twinbrook Security District
Status: in_force

A. Creation. There is hereby created within the parish of Orleans, as more specifically provided in Subsection B of this Section, a body politic and corporate which shall be known as the Twinbrook Security District, referred to in this Section as the "district". The district shall be a political subdivision of the state as defined in the Constitution of Louisiana.

B. Boundaries. The boundaries of the district shall be that area within the following perimeter: Jefferson Avenue (lower side only) to Danneel Street (both sides) to Valence Street (both sides) to Prytania Street (both sides) and back to the lower side of Jefferson Avenue. Those parcels on boundary streets that have municipal numbers outside of the district shall not be affected by the provisions of this Section.

C. Purpose. The district is established for the primary object and purpose of promoting and encouraging security in the area included within the district.

D. Governance. (1) In order to provide for the orderly development of the district and effectuation of the services to be furnished by the district and to provide for the representation in the affairs of the district of those persons and interests immediately concerned with and affected by security in the area, the district shall be managed by a nine-member board of commissioners, referred to in this Section as the "board". The board shall be composed as follows:

(a) The president of the Twinbrook Neighborhood Association, Inc., referred to in this Section as the "association".

(b) The board of directors of the association shall appoint four members.

(c) The mayor of the city of New Orleans shall appoint one member to the board from a list of nominations submitted by the association.

(d) The member of the Louisiana House of Representatives whose district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district shall appoint one member from a list of nominations submitted by the association.

(e) The member of the Louisiana Senate whose district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district shall appoint one member from a list of nominations submitted by the association.

(f) The member of the governing authority of the city of New Orleans whose council district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district shall appoint one member from a list of nominations submitted by the association.

(2) All members of the board shall be residents of the district.

(3)(a) Board members serving pursuant to Subparagraphs (1)(b) through (f) of this Subsection shall serve four-year terms after initial terms as provided in this Subparagraph. Two members shall serve an initial term of one year; two shall serve an initial term of two years; two shall serve an initial term of three years; and two shall serve an initial term of four years, as determined by lot at the first meeting of the board.

(b) The member serving pursuant to Subparagraph (1)(a) of this Subsection shall serve during his term of office as president of the association.

(c) Any vacancy which occurs prior to the expiration of the term for which a member of the board has been appointed shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(4) The board shall elect from its members a president, a vice president, a secretary-treasurer, and such other officers as it may deem necessary. The duties of the officers shall be fixed by the bylaws adopted by the board.

(5) The minute books and archives of the district shall be maintained by the secretary of the board. The monies, funds, and accounts of the district shall be in the official custody of the board.

(6) The board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable for conducting its business affairs. It shall hold regular meetings as shall be provided for in the bylaws and may hold special meetings at such times and places within the district as may be prescribed in the bylaws.

(7) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The board shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall make them available through the secretary of the board to residents of the district.

(8) The members of the board shall serve without compensation.

E. Powers and duties. The district, acting through its board of commissioners, shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To sue and be sued.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To receive and expend funds collected pursuant to Subsection F of this Section and in accordance with a budget adopted as provided by Subsection G of this Section.

(4) To enter into contracts with individuals or entities private or public for the provision of security patrols in the district. The district, through the board, may contract with the New Orleans Police Department or with a private security company for the provision of security in the district.

(5) To purchase items or supplies which the board deems instrumental in achieving the purpose of the district.

(6) To perform or have performed any other function or activity necessary for the achievement of the purpose of the district.

(7) To acquire, lease, insure, and sell real property within its boundaries in accordance with district plans.

F. Parcel fee. The governing authority of the city of New Orleans is hereby authorized to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection.

(1) The amount of the fee shall be as requested by duly adopted resolution of the board of the district. The fee shall be a flat fee per improved parcel of land not to exceed five hundred seventy-five dollars per year for each improved parcel for calendar year 2023; however, the maximum fee amount may be increased by twenty-five dollars per year for each calendar year after 2023.

(2)(a) The fee shall be imposed on each improved parcel located within the district except as provided in Paragraph (4) of this Subsection.

(b) For purposes of this Section, "parcel" means a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, an individual tract, or a "condominium parcel" as defined in R.S. 9:1121.103.

(c) The owner of each parcel shall be responsible for payment of the fee.

(3)(a) The fee shall be imposed only after the question of its imposition has been approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district voting on the proposition at an election held for that purpose in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. The amount of the fee may be changed by duly adopted resolution of the board, not to exceed the maximum amount authorized as provided in this Subsection. No other election shall be required except as provided by this Paragraph.

(b) Repealed by Acts 2013, No. 42, §2, eff. May 29, 2013.

(c) The fee shall expire at the end of the term provided for in the proposition authorizing the fee, not to exceed eight years, but the fee may be renewed if approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district voting on the proposition at an election as provided in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph. Any election to authorize a renewal of the fee shall be held at the same time as a regularly scheduled election in the city of New Orleans. If the fee is renewed, the term of the imposition of the fee shall be as provided in the proposition authorizing such renewal, not to exceed eight years.

(4) No fee shall be imposed upon any parcel whose owner qualifies for the special assessment level provided by Article VII, Section 18(G)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution.

(5) The fee shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes on property subject to taxation by the city are collected.

(6) Any parcel fee which is unpaid shall be added to the tax rolls of the city and shall be enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes.

(7) The proceeds of the fee shall be used solely and exclusively for the purpose and benefit of the district; however, the city may retain one percent of the amount collected as a collection fee. The proceeds shall be paid over to the Board of Liquidation, City Debt, day by day as the same are collected and received by the appropriate officials of the city of New Orleans and maintained in a separate account. The proceeds shall be paid out by the Board of Liquidation, City Debt, solely for the purposes provided in this Section upon warrants or drafts drawn on the Board of Liquidation, City Debt, by the appropriate officials of the city and the treasurer of the district.

G. Budget. (1) The board of commissioners shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Act, R.S. 39:1301 et seq.

(2) The district shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor pursuant to R.S. 24:513.

H. Miscellaneous. It is the purpose and intent of this Section that any additional security patrols, public or private, provided by the district shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of personnel and services provided in the district by the New Orleans Police Department.

Acts 2005, No. 76, §1, eff. June 21, 2005; Acts 2007, No. 57, §1, eff. July 1, 2007; Acts 2013, No. 42, §§1, 2, eff. May 29, 2013; Acts 2022, No. 441, §1, eff. June 15, 2022.

NOTE: See Acts 2007, No. 57, §2(B), relative to application.

NOTE: See Acts 2013, No. 42, §3 regarding continuance of tax being collected on May 29, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9613 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9613
Investigative powers
Status: in_force

A.(1) A local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general may make investigations and examinations, within or outside of the state of Louisiana as each deems necessary, in order to carry out the duties of its mandate under law, and may gather evidence in any matter in any legally appropriate manner.

(2) In the performance of its duties, a local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of the inspector general may administer oaths and take the testimony of those sworn.

(3) In the performance of its duties, a local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of the inspector general may compel the attendance of witnesses to be deposed under oath or the production of public and private records by issuing a subpoena. Except as provided in Paragraph (4) of this Subsection, such a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum shall be issued only upon approval of a judge of the district court of the parish in which a local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general is domiciled upon application in writing by such entity, board, or office. The judge shall issue a written decision within seventy-two hours after receipt of such application. Any subpoena for production of private records shall be in compliance with all applicable constitutionally established rights and processes. Any request for financial records in the possession or under the control of a bank pursuant to this Chapter is subject to and shall comply with the requirements and procedures of R.S. 6:333. The subpoena may be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the addressee's residence or business address, or by representatives appointed by the local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general, or may be directed for service to the office of the municipal police. If a person refuses to obey a subpoena issued by the local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general, the district court of the parish in which the local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general is domiciled may issue an order to the person requiring the person to appear before the court to show cause why an order shall not be issued ordering such person to obey the subpoena.

(4)(a) In the performance of its duties, a local office of inspector general in the city of New Orleans or parish of Jefferson may issue an administrative subpoena duces tecum to require the production of books, records, documents, or other evidence deemed relevant or material to an investigation, audit, or inspection. The subpoena duces tecum shall be issued only in furtherance of the authority provided by local ordinance and by Subsections D and E of this Section and shall comply with all applicable constitutionally established rights and processes.

(b) The subpoena duces tecum may be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the addressee's residence or business address.

(c) The entity receiving the subpoena duces tecum may file a motion with the district court of the parish in which the office of inspector general is domiciled to amend or quash the subpoena. The motion shall be filed any time before the date for attendance or compulsion specified in the subpoena or within twenty days after the subpoena duces tecum has been served, whichever is earlier. In no event shall any penalty attach to the recipient of such an administrative subpoena duces tecum for failure to respond without an order from the district court of the parish in which the office of inspector general is domiciled.

(d) If the subpoena duces tecum is not quashed and is not complied with by the date for production of documents, the office of the inspector general may apply to the district court of the parish in which the office of inspector general is domiciled for an order compelling compliance with the subpoena. Any person failing to comply with the order compelling compliance shall be adjudged in contempt of court.

B. Any costs and attorney's fees incurred by the local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general may be taxed against the person who failed or refused to comply with the terms of the subpoena.

C. When the local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general issuing the subpoena has reason to believe that a person may attempt to conceal or destroy materials essential to an investigation, examination, audit, inspection, or performance review, the local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general may apply by verified petition to the district court of the parish in which the person resides or is found or has a principal place of business or in which the materials may be found for an order protecting the materials from concealment or destruction. The court may order and fix the amount of a bond to be posted and conditioned upon compliance with the terms of the subpoena. The order shall be directed to the person upon whom the subpoena will be served and to any other person necessary to protect the materials from concealment or destruction.

D.(1) A local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general shall have the authority to examine, review, audit, inspect, and investigate the records, books, reports, documents, papers, correspondence, accounts, audits, inspections, reviews, recommendations, plans, films, tapes, pictures, computer hard drives, software data, hardware data, e-mails, instant messages, text messages, and any other data and material relevant to any matter under audit, investigation, inspection, or performance review of all entities of the local governmental subdivision or entities receiving funds through or for the benefit of the local governmental subdivision.

(2) For the purposes of this Section, these entities shall include but not be limited to every local governmental subdivision officer, employee, elected official, department, agency, board, commission, public benefit corporation, quasi public agency or body, contractor, subcontractor, licensee of the local governmental subdivision, and every applicant for certification of eligibility for a municipal contract or program.

(3) These entities shall also include all local governmental subdivision governing authorities, all districts, boards, and commissions created by local governmental subdivision governing authorities either independently or in conjunction with other units of government, and all independently elected parish public officials whose offices receive funds from the municipality.

E. For the purposes of this Section, a quasi public agency or body shall be defined as:

(1) An organization, either not-for-profit or for profit, that is a component unit of local government established to perform a public purpose, and created by the state of Louisiana or any political subdivision or agency thereof or any special district or authority operating within the municipality.

(2) An organization, either not-for-profit or for profit, that is a component unit of a local governmental subdivision reporting entity, as defined under generally accepted accounting principles.

(3) An organization, either not-for-profit or for profit, created to perform a public purpose and having one or more of the following characteristics:

(a) The governing body is elected by the general public.

(b) A majority of the governing body is appointed by or authorized to be appointed by a governmental entity or individual governmental official as a part of their official duties.

(c) The entity is the recipient of proceeds of an ad valorem tax or general sales tax levied specifically for its operations.

(d) The entity is able to directly issue debt, the interest on which is exempt from federal taxation.

(e) The entity can be dissolved unilaterally by a governmental entity and its net assets assumed without compensation by that governmental entity.

(4) Any not-for-profit organization operating within the municipality which receives or expends in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars in local assistance in any fiscal year. Assistance includes grants, loans, awards, transfer of property, and direct appropriations of local public funds.

(5) Any organization, either not-for-profit or for profit, operating within the local governmental subdivision which is subject to the Open Meetings Law and derives a portion of its income from payments received from any local governmental subdivision agency or body.

F. Nothing in R.S. 42:61 et seq. shall be construed to prohibit local ethics entity attorneys, ethics review board attorneys, or office of inspector general attorneys from also holding the position of assistant United States attorney, assistant attorney general, or assistant district attorney when so designated for cooperative efforts in criminal prosecutions and without additional compensation.

G. A local ethics entity, ethics review board, or office of inspector general may employ its own legal counsel. A local ethics entity or ethics review board may also employ, contract with, or accept the assistance of other legal counsel in the conduct of a civil or criminal case.

H. The inspector general and investigators employed in the New Orleans office of inspector general shall be authorized to carry a firearm in the lawful discharge of their duties, provided that they annually qualify in the use of firearms by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and have proof of qualification, in addition to a valid identification as a retired law enforcement officer.

Acts 2008, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 18, §1, eff. April 26, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 98, §1, eff. June 1, 2010; Acts 2012, No. 838, §1, eff. June 14, 2012; Acts 2024, No. 538, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:3812 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 3812
Waterworks commissioners; qualifications
Status: in_force

A. All waterworks districts created under the provisions of this Chapter shall be governed by a board of five members, to be known as waterworks commissioners, except that where the district includes one or more municipalities, as hereafter provided, the board shall consist of either eight or nine members, depending upon whether the district includes one or more than one municipality.

B. The members of the board shall be known as waterworks commissioners. Each shall be a resident of and assessed with not less than five hundred dollars worth of real estate in the district. A commissioner may be the representative of a corporation domiciled in the district and owning lands in the district of an assessed value of not less than five thousand dollars. The representative of a corporation may be one of its officers and may be designated to represent the corporation by resolution of the board of directors to that effect. He shall also be a resident of the waterworks district.

C. Provided, however, that in Lafourche Parish, the Lafourche Water District shall be governed by a board consisting of a number of members, not to exceed eleven members or fall below seven members, required to effectively govern the district as determined by the Lafourche Parish Police Jury. The members of the board shall be known as waterwork commissioners. Each shall be a registered voter, resident of and assessed with not less than five hundred dollars worth of real estate in an apportioned population area of which he represents. Such apportioned population area shall be determined by the Lafourche Parish Police Jury as provided in R.S. 33:3813(C). A commissioner may be the representative of a corporation domiciled and owning lands in an apportioned population area of an assessed value of not less than five thousand dollars. The representative of a corporation may be one of its officers and may be designated to represent the corporation by resolution of the board of directors to that effect. He shall also be a registered voter and a resident of the apportioned population area of which he represents.

D. The membership of the St. Mary Parish Waterworks District No. 5 is increased from five to seven. The two additional members shall be appointed by the governing authority of St. Mary Parish to serve at its pleasure. Except to the extent of any conflict with this Subsection, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the two additional members and their successors.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the membership of the board of commissioners of each waterworks district in West Baton Rouge Parish shall be comprised of five members. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to the board of commissioners for West Baton Rouge Parish Water Works District No. 1.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the membership of the board of commissioners of Iberville Parish Waterworks District No. 3 is hereby increased from five to seven. The two additional members shall be appointed by the governing authority of Iberville Parish and shall serve at its pleasure. Except to the extent that they conflict with this Subsection, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the two additional members and their successors.

G. The membership of the board of commissioners of Southeast Waterworks District No. 2 of Vermilion Parish is increased from five to six. The additional member shall be appointed by the governing authority of Vermilion Parish to serve at its pleasure. Except to the extent of any conflict with this Subsection, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the additional member and his successors.

H. The membership of the boards of commissioners of any waterworks districts created by the consolidation of two or more existing waterworks districts within Calcasieu Parish may be increased from five to seven members. Each additional member shall be appointed by the governing authority of Calcasieu Parish and shall serve at the pleasure of such governing authority. Except to the extent of any conflict with this Subsection, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the additional members and their successors.

I.(1) The governing authority of Beauregard Parish may subdivide Waterworks District No. 3 into not fewer than five and not more than nine commissioner districts. These districts shall be created by parish ordinance and shall not be political subdivisions of the state. One commissioner for the waterworks district shall be appointed from each commissioner district.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, if the governing authority of the parish subdivides Waterworks District No. 3 into commissioner districts or modifies the number of commissioner districts within Waterworks District No. 3, the governing authority of the parish may increase or decrease the number of commissioners to equal the total number of commissioner districts.

(3) Upon the effective date of any ordinance creating commissioner districts or modifying the number of districts in Waterworks District No. 3, the term of all serving commissioners on the board shall terminate and the governing authority shall appoint new commissioners. Commissioners shall be eligible for reappointment. An ordinance creating commissioner districts or modifying the number of commissioner districts shall provide for the staggering of commissioners' terms.

(4) No funds of Waterworks District No. 3 may be expended in a commissioner district without the approval of the board.

J. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the membership of the governing board of Waterworks District No. 1 of Pointe Coupee Parish shall be as provided by R.S. 33:3813(C)(8).

K. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the membership of the board of commissioners of the South Cameron Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1 of Cameron Parish shall be comprised of six members appointed by the governing authority of Cameron Parish.

Amended by Acts 1964, Ex.Sess., No. 26, §1; Acts 1974, No. 440, §1; Acts 1975, No. 108, §1; Acts 1979, No. 101, §1; Acts 1986, No. 40, §1, eff. June 13, 1986; Acts 1992, No. 593, §1; Acts 1993, No. 206, §1; Acts 1995, No. 11, §1; Acts 2005, No. 316, §1; Acts 2009, No. 350, §1; Acts 2010, No. 90, §1; Acts 2023, No. 275, §1, eff. June 9, 2023; Acts 2024, No. 182, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:3818 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 3818
Powers of board of commissioners
Status: in_force

A. The board of commissioners of the waterworks district shall have absolute control and authority over the waterworks in the district and shall adopt by-laws, rules and regulations for the proper conduct and operation of a waterworks system in their district. The board may employ the necessary labor for directing and installing a waterworks system in their district and may employ the services of an attorney when necessary and fix his fees or his salary.

B. The board may effect improvement in the water system and for this purpose enter into contracts for the performance of work or the purchase of machinery. The board itself may supervise work under its contracts, or may delegate the supervision to a licensed engineer who shall be a citizen of Louisiana.

C. Out of the funds deposited with the board by purchasers of water service as security to protect the board from loss by reason of extending water service to such purchasers, the board may make purchases of additional new water meters or water meters to replace those already in use; provided, however, that at least ten per cent of the total amount of such funds on deposit with the board at any one time shall be maintained in a cash reserve which shall not be used or encumbered for the purchase of water meters.

Amended by Acts 1962, No. 324, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4648 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4648
Charges for use of space; gifts
Status: in_force

The board of control may fix and collect charges or rent for the use by the public or by organizations for space used or occupied, and may receive unconditional gifts. All moneys collected or received by the board of control shall be turned over to the governing authority of the parish, and disbursed for the benefit of the war memorial civic center.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:2584 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 2584
Local civil service; inclusion of employees
Status: in_force

A. The governing authority of any parish or municipality is hereby authorized to enact ordinances, by majority vote, permitting the inclusion, in any civil service system created by the governing authority of the parish or municipality, of any employees of any board, commission, or other local agency or special district created by or appointed by the governing authority of the parish or municipality, except those officials and employees who are prohibited from being included in the local civil service by the provisions of Article X, Section 15 of the Louisiana Constitution, and particularly the second paragraph thereof.

B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply, or be interpreted or construed to apply, to any municipality or parish governed by the provisions of Part I of Article X of the Louisiana Constitution; nor shall the provisions of this Section authorize, or be interpreted or construed to authorize, the inclusion in any local civil service of firemen or policemen in contravention of the provisions of Article X, Section 19 of the Louisiana Constitution.

Added by Acts 1977, No. 370, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 396, §1; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 20, §1, eff. June 12, 2011.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:130.504 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 130.504
Economic, industrial, tourism, and recreational development
Status: in_force

A.(1) The district may construct and acquire facilities, including the acquisition of sites and other necessary property or appurtenances thereto within the district, or outside the district if the project is undertaken conjointly with other local units of government, under the authority of the Local Services Law, R.S. 33:1321 et seq., or other authorizing authority, and to acquire, construct, improve, operate, maintain, and provide improvements and services necessary therefor, including but not limited to recreational facilities, tourism facilities, roads, street lighting, bridges, rail facilities, drainage, sewerage disposal facilities, solid waste disposal facilities, waterworks, and other utilities and related properties.

(2) The district may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of, by suitable and appropriate contract, to any enterprise locating or existing within the district all or any part of a site, building, or other property owned by the district. In determining the consideration for any contract to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of lands, buildings, or other property of the district, the board may take into consideration the value of the lands, buildings, or other properties involved as well as the potential value of the economic impact of the enterprise being induced to locate or expand within the district. Such economic impact shall include increased employment, increased use of local labor, wages and salaries to be paid, consumption of local materials, products, and resources, and special tax revenues to be generated by the enterprise acquiring or leasing lands, buildings, or other property from the district. The district may enter into leases.

(3) The resolution adopted by the board authorizing any lease, sale, or other disposition of lands, buildings, or other property of the district or any attachment thereto shall set forth, in a general way, the terms of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition, and such resolution shall be published as soon as possible in one issue of the official journal of the district. For a period of thirty days from the date of publication of any such resolution, any interested person may contest the legality of such resolution or the validity of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition of district property, after which time no one shall have any cause of action to contest the legality of said resolution or to draw in question the legality of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition of district property for any cause whatsoever, and it shall be conclusively presumed thereafter that every legal requirement has been complied with and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters after the lapse of said thirty days.

B. The district shall have the following additional powers, together with all powers incidental thereto or necessary for the performance of those hereinafter stated:

(1) To acquire, whether by purchase, exchange, gift, lease, or otherwise, except by expropriation, and to construct and improve, maintain, equip, and furnish one or more economic development projects, including all immovable and movable properties which the board may deem necessary in connection therewith.

(2) To lease or to contract for the use of any or all of its authorized projects and to charge and collect rent, fees, or charges therefor, and to terminate any such lease or contractual arrangement upon the failure of the lessee or contracting party to comply with any of the obligations thereof all as may be provided for in the lease agreement to which the district may become a party.

(3) To sell, exchange, and convey any or all of its projects upon such terms and conditions as the board may deem advisable, including the power to receive for any such sale the first mortgage note or notes of the purchaser of a project representing unpaid installments of the purchase price due by the purchaser to the district whenever the board finds any such actions to be in furtherance of the purposes for which the district was organized.

(4) As security for the payment of the principal of and interest on any bonds, notes, or other obligations of the district and any agreements made in connection therewith, to mortgage and pledge any or all of its projects or any part or parts thereof, whether then owned or thereafter acquired, and to pledge the revenues and receipts therefrom or from any other source.

(5)(a) To enter into any cooperative financing associated with economic and industrial development between or among the district and the state, any of its local governmental subdivisions, political corporations, or public benefit corporations, the United States or its agencies, or any public or private association, corporation, or individual.

(b) To enter into economic or industrial development or recreational or tourism projects between or among the district and the state, any of its local governmental subdivisions, political corporations, or public benefit corporations, the United States or its agencies, or any public or private association, corporation, or individual. Said methods of cooperative development shall include but not be limited to any number of joint development agreements and cooperative ownership, limited partnerships, and investment syndicates not prohibited by the Constitution of Louisiana. Regardless of the method of financing, the district shall attempt to obtain the most favorable arrangement available in order to protect and ensure economic and industrial development.

(c) To cooperate with and to engage in cooperative endeavors with other persons and entities as provided by Article VII, Section 21(H) of the Constitution of Louisiana to provide a means by which owners of such properties who expand, restore, improve, and develop them may pay ad valorem taxes for five years based upon the assessed valuation of the property for the year prior to the commencement of the expansion, restoration, improvement, or development.

Acts 1995, No. 115, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:1395.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 1395.1
Charter commission, membership, number; term; preparation, submission, and publication of charter
Status: in_force

A. The commission shall consist of not less than seven nor more than eleven members who shall be elected or appointed in the manner provided by the governing authority of the municipality or parish. Each member of the commission shall hold office until a charter is either adopted or rejected by the registered voters of the municipality, as provided hereafter, and any vacancies in the commission shall be filled by appointment of the remaining members. The members of the commission shall take office immediately after election or appointment and shall propose the charter and submit it to the governing authority of the municipality within eighteen months thereafter. The proposed charter shall not be altered or changed in any way by the governing authority of the municipality.

B. The terms of charter commission members shall expire with either the adoption or rejection of the charter by the voters. In situations where no charter has been drafted by the end of the eighteen-months time period, members' terms shall automatically expire.

C. The full text of the proposed charter shall be published once in the official publication of the municipality or parish within thirty days after its submission to the local governing authority of the municipality or parish. Responsibility for publication rests with the governing body affected. If a parish and a municipality are involved, publication shall be by the parish in its official journal.

Acts 1980, No. 703, §1.