Senate Bill No. SLS 25RS-380, introduced by Senator Jenkins, seeks to establish the State Land Banking Authority Act in Louisiana, creating a framework for local governments to form land banks. These quasi-public nonprofit entities are designed to tackle issues related to blighted properties by acquiring, rehabilitating, and managing abandoned or dilapidated properties. The bill outlines the governance structure, including the establishment of a board of directors, and specifies the authority's powers, such as the ability to issue bonds, enter contracts, and manage property. Importantly, the authority is prohibited from exercising eminent domain or imposing taxes, and it must adhere to local land use controls and zoning laws.

The legislation also details the financial mechanisms available to the authority, including the issuance of bonds for property acquisition and improvement, and stipulates that property transactions must occur within the jurisdiction of the local government that established the authority. The authority is granted the ability to quiet title or foreclose on properties, employ staff, and establish a code of ethics, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, the authority is exempt from state and local taxes on its properties and activities, and it is required to provide annual reports on its operations. The effective date for the proposed law is set for August 1, 2025.