This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding the definitions and elements of criminal blighting of property. It updates the definition of "blighted property" to include any vacant or occupied immovable property that has been declared or certified as blighted or a public nuisance by a court or an administrative hearing officer, rather than limiting it to commercial or residential premises that are vacant, uninhabitable, and hazardous. Additionally, the definition of "public nuisance" is expanded to include apartments alongside other structures.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that criminal blighting of property occurs when an owner intentionally or negligently allows a property to deteriorate, which is determined when the property is declared or certified as blighted or a public nuisance. The language changes aim to broaden the scope of what constitutes blighted property and streamline the process for addressing such conditions, thereby enhancing enforcement measures related to property maintenance and public safety.

Statutes affected:
HB234 Original: 14:3(A)(1), 33:1374(B)(1)
HB234 Engrossed: 14:3(A)(1), 33:1374(B)(1)
HB234 Enrolled: 14:3(A)(1), 33:1374(B)(1)
HB234 Act 255: 14:3(A)(1), 33:1374(B)(1)