RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 777 (SB 89) 2024 Regular Session Fields
New law creates the Delmont Neighborhood Crime Prevention District in East Baton Rouge
Parish (parish) as a political subdivision of the state for the purpose of aiding in crime
prevention and security of district residents.
New law provides for the governance of the district by a seven-member board of
commissioners comprised as follows:
(1) The president of the Delmont Neighborhood Homeowners Assoc. (association) shall
be an ex officio member.
(2) One member appointed by the board of directors of the association
(3) One member appointed by the member(s) of the La. House of Representatives who
represent the area which comprises the district.
(4) One member appointed by the member(s) of the La. Senate who represent the area
which comprises the district.
(5) One member appointed by the parish assessor.
(6) One member appointed by the mayor-president.
(7) One member appointed by the member(s) of the metropolitan council who represent
the district.
New law requires board members to own property within the district and provides for terms.
New law provides for the powers and duties of the district, including but not limited to the
following:
(1) To sue and be sued.
(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3) To receive and expend funds.
(4) To enter into contracts for the provision of security patrols or other programs in the
district.
New law authorizes the district, subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel fee
on each improved parcel within the district. Provides that the amount of the fee shall not
exceed $150 per parcel per year. Further provides that the owner of the parcel shall be
responsible for payment of the fee. New law defines the term "parcel" to mean a lot, a
subdivided portion of ground, or an individual tract.
New law requires that any election for the imposition of the fee be held at a regularly
scheduled primary or general election. Provides that the fee shall expire four years from its
initial levy but may be renewed, subject to voter approval, for a term not to exceed 10 years.
New law requires that the fee be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ad
valorem taxes are collected by the sheriff of the parish. Provides that any unpaid parcel fee
be enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties and procedures as
unpaid ad valorem taxes. Requires the sheriff to remit to the district all amounts collected
not more than 60 days after collection and authorizes the sheriff to retain a commission fee.
New law requires the board to adopt an annual budget in accordance with existing law (R.S.
39:1301 et seq.). Further requires that the district approve the budget. Provides that the
district shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor pursuant to existing law (R.S.
24:513).
New law provides that the purpose and intent of new law, specifically the additional law
enforcement personnel and their services, shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of
personnel and services provided in the district by the city of Baton Rouge/parish of East
Baton Rouge. Additionally provides that if the district ceases to exist, any funds of the
district shall be transmitted to the governing authority of the parish and shall be used for law
enforcement purposes in the district.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.40)