House Bill No. by Representative Terry Landry seeks to amend the governance structure and operational procedures of the Downtown Development District in Baton Rouge. The bill establishes a seven-member board of commissioners, with all members required to be qualified voters in East Baton Rouge Parish, and mandates that they either own property or have their principal place of business within the district. The appointment process is revised to involve the mayor-president and metro council approval, with standardized three-year terms and a limit of two consecutive terms for board members. Newly appointed members will serve staggered initial terms to ensure continuity.

Additionally, the bill modifies the district's powers regarding financial management and operational oversight. It allows the metro council to appoint an executive director responsible for staff and operations, and introduces provisions for board members to receive travel allowances for events outside the parish, pending prior approval. The authority to levy a special ad valorem tax on real property remains intact, requiring voter approval for any tax proposals. The bill also streamlines the procedures for tax levies and bond issuance, grants the district the ability to enter into inter-governmental contracts, and removes certain requirements for public improvement plans, thereby enhancing the district's autonomy and operational efficiency.

Statutes affected:
HB213 Original: 33:8(D)(1), 33:8(N)