Senate Bill No. 220, introduced by Senator Cathey, seeks to revise various statutes concerning local agencies in Louisiana, with an effective date set for August 1, 2025. The bill amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, including R.S. 33:404(A), 4341, and 4342, while also enacting a new Chapter 50 under Title 33. This new chapter empowers municipalities and parishes to create districts and commissions through ordinance. Notably, the bill allows certain municipalities to bypass elections for the sale or lease of revenue-producing properties if they are unable to restore utilities to acceptable standards as per the Community Drinking Water Infrastructure Sustainability Act of 2021. It also clarifies local governing bodies' control over drainage channels and outfall canals and establishes conditions for property expropriation for drainage projects.

The legislation includes specific legal language changes, such as modifying "authorities have" to "authority has" regarding municipal property sales and adding protections for local governing bodies against liability for damages from excessive drainage. Additionally, it repeals R.S. 33:130.621.1 and the Union Parish Railroad District. The bill grants local governing bodies, excluding Orleans Parish, the authority to expropriate land for public use and mandates the construction of drainage systems for public roads adjacent to levees, ensuring proper drainage connections with adjacent private properties. Current prohibitions against dumping materials that could obstruct drainage into state waters or drains are maintained. Overall, the bill aims to streamline local governance and enhance the operational capabilities of municipalities and parishes in managing public utilities and drainage systems.

Statutes affected:
SB220 Original: 33:404(A)