Senate Bill No. 239, introduced by Senator McMath, aims to amend and reenact specific provisions of the St. Tammany Parish Development District's governing laws. The bill establishes the district as a body politic and political subdivision of Louisiana, clarifying that it serves as a local governing authority solely for the purposes of the state's annual appropriations act. It allows the district to operate under the name "St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation" or a similar trade name. The bill also modifies the structure and governance of the board of commissioners, which will now consist of eleven members serving staggered three-year terms, with the requirement that members be qualified voters and taxpayers within the district.

Key changes include the redefinition of certain board positions, such as renaming the president to chair and the vice president to vice chair. The nominating committee's composition has been updated to include the board chair, vice chair, treasurer, and other designated officials. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board meet at least nine times per year and allows for the employment of a president and chief executive officer instead of an executive director. The bill repeals previous provisions regarding initial nominations and terms, streamlining the nomination process for board members. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB239 Original: 33:401(A), 33:402(A)(1), 33:403(22), 33:402(A)(2)
SB239 Engrossed: 33:401(A), 33:402(A)(1), 33:403(22), 33:402(A)(2)