House Bill No. 97 aims to establish the Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural Economic District in Jeanerette, Louisiana, to promote cooperative economic and community development among the district, the city, the state, and local property owners. The bill delineates the district's boundaries, governance structure, and the responsibilities of a board of commissioners, which will consist of seven voting members and one nonvoting member appointed by local authorities and organizations. The district is empowered to enhance property development, preserve cultural heritage, and improve infrastructure, while also having the authority to levy a sales and use tax of up to 1% with voter approval and to issue revenue bonds backed by tax increments from district projects.

The bill introduces new provisions under R.S. 33:2740.70.9, detailing the methods for property acquisition by the district, which are limited to purchases, gifts, grants, donations, or leases, thereby eliminating other potential acquisition methods. The district is designed to dissolve one year after fulfilling all financial obligations, ensuring a structured approach to economic development with community involvement and oversight. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action, and amendments from the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs further clarify the bill's intent and regulatory framework for property acquisition.