House Bill No. by Representative Phelps amends the existing law on criminal blighting of property, specifically R.S. 14:107.3(B). The bill clarifies that criminal blighting occurs not only due to the actions of the property owner but also includes actions by a representative or agent of the property owner, as well as anyone with custody, control, or ownership of the property. This change broadens the scope of culpability for the crime of criminal blighting, which is defined as the intentional or criminally negligent permitting of property deterioration that has been officially declared or certified as blighted or a public nuisance.

The proposed law retains the core definition of criminal blighting while expanding the list of individuals who can be held accountable for such conditions. The amendment aims to ensure that all responsible parties, not just the property owner, can be prosecuted if they allow their property to fall into a state of disrepair that meets the legal criteria for blight. This legislative change seeks to enhance accountability and encourage better property maintenance within the community.

Statutes affected:
HB426 Original: 14:3(B)