This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding the definitions and elements of criminal blighting of property. It revises 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 term "public nuisance" is expanded to include apartments alongside other structures, and the process for declaring property as blighted is clarified to include actions by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the language surrounding the enforcement of health, safety, and welfare ordinances in Orleans Parish. It aligns the definition of "blighted property" with the new broader definition, ensuring consistency across legal references. The amendments aim to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of laws related to property blight, thereby improving the management of deteriorating properties and their impact on community health and 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)