House Bill No. by Representative Knox seeks to amend and reenact several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. Key changes include a clarification of the authority's jurisdiction, which now explicitly encompasses the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The definition of "project" has been updated to align with existing law, and the authority is granted additional powers, such as the ability to incur debt and issue bonds for various projects. The bill also stipulates that any property acquired by the authority is considered public property and is exempt from ad valorem taxes.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions allowing the authority to levy hotel occupancy taxes within Orleans Parish, with rates varying based on hotel size. It outlines the procedures for tax collection and specifies how the generated revenues can be utilized, particularly for administrative expenses and potential distribution to the city of New Orleans. The legislation broadens the definition of "project" to include various facilities and allows for the issuance of negotiable bonds for financing. It also emphasizes minority business participation by mandating a percentage of contracts be awarded to minority-owned businesses and modifies the timing of the authority's annual report to the city council. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational framework and financial capabilities of the Exhibition Hall Authority while promoting inclusivity in procurement practices.

Statutes affected:
HB298 Original: 33:11(A), 33:13(3), 33:1(A), 33:2(A), 33:17(A), 33:24(A), 33:25(A), 33:26(B), 33:28(A), 33:19(B)(5), 33:15(B)(5), 33:1(B)(4), 33:2(B)(5), 33:23(A)(4), 33:24(E), 33:25(D), 33:26(C)
HB298 Engrossed: 33:11(A), 33:13(3), 33:1(A), 33:2(A), 33:17(A), 33:24(A), 33:25(A), 33:26(B), 33:28(A), 33:15(B)(5), 33:1(B)(4), 33:2(B)(5), 33:23(A)(4), 33:24(E), 33:25(D), 33:26(C)
HB298 Enrolled: 33:11(A), 33:13(3), 33:1(A), 33:2(A), 33:17(A), 33:24(A), 33:25(A), 33:26(B), 33:28(A), 33:19(B)(5), 33:15(B)(5), 33:1(B)(4), 33:2(B)(5), 33:23(A)(4), 33:24(E), 33:25(D), 33:26(C)
HB298 Act : 33:11(A), 33:13(3), 33:1(A), 33:2(A), 33:17(A), 33:24(A), 33:25(A), 33:26(B), 33:28(A), 33:19(B)(5), 33:15(B)(5), 33:1(B)(4), 33:2(B)(5), 33:23(A)(4), 33:24(E), 33:25(D), 33:26(C)