Senate Bill No. 220, introduced by Senator Cathey, seeks to revise various statutes concerning local agencies in Louisiana, with an effective date of August 1, 2025. The bill amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, including R.S. 33:404(A), 4341(A) and (C), and 4342, while also enacting a new Chapter 50 under Title 33. Key provisions grant municipalities and parishes the authority to sell or lease revenue-producing properties, with exceptions for those facing significant operational challenges, such as water utilities with low grades under the Community Drinking Water Infrastructure Sustainability Act. It also allows local governing bodies to create districts and commissions through ordinance, ensuring that existing entities continue to operate under their current statutes.

Furthermore, the bill addresses drainage management by giving local governing bodies control over public drainage channels and outfall canals, while ensuring property rights are respected through just compensation for any takings. It establishes immunity for local authorities from damages caused by excessive drainage into their systems and clarifies that unauthorized drainage does not constitute property damage. The bill also repeals R.S. 33:130.621.1 entirely, streamlining the legal framework for local agencies. Additionally, it grants local governing bodies, excluding Orleans Parish, the authority to expropriate land for public use and mandates proper drainage of public roads adjacent to levees, including the construction of necessary ditches and drains. The bill retains current regulations against dumping materials that could obstruct drainage into state waters or drains and includes the repeal of the Union Parish Railroad District.

Statutes affected:
SB220 Original: 33:404(A)
SB220 Engrossed: 33:404(A)
SB220 Reengrossed: 33:404(A), 33:4341(A)