This bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority, focusing on enhancing its powers, duties, and financial mechanisms. Key changes include redefining "project" to align with existing statutes and introducing a new definition for the "Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Project." The bill establishes a payment structure for ad valorem taxes related to hotel leases and expands the authority's ability to incur debt and issue bonds for financing various projects. It also clarifies that property owned by the authority is public property exempt from ad valorem taxes.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for hotel occupancy taxes, including a new one percent tax and a tiered structure based on the number of guest rooms. Revenues from these taxes can be allocated for administrative expenses and project-related costs after bond obligations are fulfilled. The authority is granted broader powers to manage property and financial agreements, including entering leases and partnerships without being subject to certain public procurement laws. The bill also emphasizes minority business participation in projects and modifies reporting requirements for the authority, streamlining the legal framework to improve operational efficiency and financial capacity. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

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)