The bill establishes the Baton Rouge Regional Airport Authority, which will manage the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, and grants the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council the authority to create this special purpose airport authority. It outlines the structure of the authority's board of commissioners, which will consist of five to nine members appointed by the council, and includes provisions for the issuance of bonds, employee retirement benefits, and a sunset date for certain board members of the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District. The bill mandates compliance with open meetings and public records laws, and details the roles of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, ensuring they meet professional qualifications for effective airport management.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definitions and membership criteria for employees of the Baton Rouge Regional Airport Authority, expanding the definition of "Employee" to include those who would qualify as system members if employed by the city of Baton Rouge. It specifies that the authority is considered an "Employer" under the law and allows for exemptions from mandatory retirement system membership if the authority establishes its own system. The bill also addresses the financial implications of transferring employees from the city to the authority, including provisions related to the retirement system and the potential dissolution of the city's police department. Changes to the board's composition and the termination of specific seats by December 31, 2027, are also included.

Statutes affected:
SB176 Engrossed: 11:2213(12)
SB176 Reengrossed: 11:2213(12)
SB176 Enrolled: 11:2213(12)
SB176 Act : 11:2213(12)