House Bill No. by Representative Wyble seeks to empower Louisiana parishes and municipalities with populations under fifty thousand to expropriate abandoned or blighted properties through a formal declaration of taking. The bill introduces Part XIII of Title 19 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, defining "abandoned property" and "blighted property," and detailing the expropriation procedures. This legislation aims to provide local governments with the tools necessary to address urban blight and rejuvenate economically distressed areas by facilitating the return of these properties to productive use.

The bill outlines a comprehensive process for expropriation, which includes notifying property owners of the intent to take their property, filing a petition in district court, and providing a legal description and appraisal of the property. It allows for the acquisition of property before a court judgment on compensation, enabling the governing authority to take possession once the appraised value is deposited in court. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the governing authority notify all parties with encumbrances on the property and ensures equal opportunity for individuals or organizations to acquire the expropriated properties, prioritizing low-income families in housing rehabilitation or construction. The legislation also includes provisions for contesting the validity of the expropriation, ensuring property owners can challenge the process if necessary.