Senate Bill No. 56 proposes significant changes to the governance and structure of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank and the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District, effective August 1, 2026. The bill renames the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District to the Lafitte Area Levee District and establishes that it will be governed by the board of commissioners of the West Bank Levee Authority. Additionally, the number of commissioners for the West Bank Levee Authority will increase from seven to nine, with specific residency requirements, including one member residing within the Lafitte Area Levee District. The bill also modifies the qualifications for board members, requiring three members to possess relevant professional qualifications.

Furthermore, the bill addresses legal proceedings, stipulating that any ongoing legal matters involving the Lafitte Area Levee District will continue under its new name. It also clarifies that the obligations and unfinished business of the Lafitte Area Levee District will be managed by the appropriate authority. The Louisiana State Law Institute is directed to make necessary technical changes to statutory references to reflect these changes. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the governance of levee districts in the region while ensuring continuity in legal and operational matters.

Statutes affected:
SB56 Original: 38:291(Y), 38:1(A)(1), 38:1(C)(1), 38:3(A)