The bill amends R.S. 33:2740.3, which governs the Downtown Development District (DDD) in New Orleans, by reducing the required number of board members from nine to five. These members must be qualified voters with a principal place of business or property ownership in the district. The bill introduces a confirmation requirement for board members by the New Orleans city council and revises the appointment process to include specific representatives from local organizations, such as the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the terms of office for board members will be randomly assigned at the first meeting, with terms ranging from one to four years.

The legislation expands the board's responsibilities to include planning for public improvements and services, particularly focusing on public safety and homelessness reduction. It mandates an annual presentation to the city council regarding expenditures and clarifies that both the DDD and the city can provide services and capital improvements. The bill also allows the board to enter contracts with the city for services funded by a special tax on real property or bond proceeds, removing the need for prior mayoral and city council approval for certain services. Furthermore, it authorizes the city council to levy a special ad valorem tax for up to fifty years, with proceeds dedicated to the district, and allows the city to incur debt and issue bonds for the district's benefit, ensuring these bonds are not general obligations of the city and require voter approval for issuance.

Statutes affected:
SB364 Original: 33:3(B), 33:3(J)
SB364 Engrossed: 33:3(B), 33:3(J)
SB364 Reengrossed:
SB364 Enrolled:
SB364 Act 520:
Senate Floor Bureau Note, #1778, Harris, Jimmy, Adopted: