This bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana's Revised Statutes regarding the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board of Commissioners. Key changes include the composition of the board, which will now consist of three members from each participating parish, one member appointed by the New Orleans City Council, and one member from House District 102, with appointments rotating every four years. Additionally, if a participating parish opts out of the RTA after August 1, 2024, the mayor or governing authority will have the power to appoint two new members. The bill also establishes minimum transit expertise standards for board members and mandates quarterly reporting of RTA funds and operations.

Furthermore, the bill creates a Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board to provide recommendations to the RTA, composed of various stakeholders, including employees and representatives from local universities and labor unions. The advisory board will have access to necessary information and the power to adopt formal recommendations, although it will not have voting rights. The bill also allows for audits of the RTA by participating cities or parishes and includes provisions for penalties in cases of violations of state and city laws. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
HB544 Original: 48:1655(A)(1), 48:1656(8)
HB544 Engrossed: 48:1655(A)(1), 48:1656(8)
HB544 Reengrossed: 48:1655(A)(1), 48:1656(8)
HB544 Enrolled: 48:1655(A)(1), 48:1656(8)
HB544 Act : 48:1655(A)(1), 48:1656(8)