This bill enacts Part XII of Title 19 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 19:382 through 391, which establishes procedures for the city of Monroe in Ouachita Parish to expropriate property through a declaration of taking. The legislation defines key terms, including "governing authority" as the city council of Monroe and "property" as immovable property within the city's limits, excluding public electrical utility infrastructure. The bill outlines the authority of the city to expropriate property when it cannot be acquired amicably for public purposes, such as infrastructure projects, and specifies that the expropriation process will follow the procedures set forth for the Department of Transportation and Development.

The bill details the requirements for filing a petition for expropriation, including necessary documentation and the process for obtaining a court order to take possession of the property. It establishes the rights of property owners to contest the expropriation and outlines the timeline for filing motions and answers related to compensation claims. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the authority to take possession and title in advance of final judgment is supplementary to existing municipal expropriation rights, ensuring that it does not negate any current laws governing such proceedings. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the specified time frame if not signed.