House Bill No. 444, introduced by Representative Marcelle, amends the membership structure of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge. The bill increases the total number of commissioners from nine to eleven by adding two ex officio members: the member of the Louisiana Senate representing District No. 15 and the member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing District No. 61. The existing five ex officio members, which include the mayors of Baker, Baton Rouge, Central, St. George, and Zachary, will continue to serve, and each mayor can designate a representative to serve in their place. Additionally, the bill stipulates that six members will now constitute a quorum, up from the previous requirement of five.

The bill retains the requirement that four appointed members must be qualified voters of East Baton Rouge Parish, with at least two residing in Baton Rouge and one in the unincorporated area of the parish. The commission will continue to operate without compensation for its members, and vacancies will be filled by the appropriate appointing authority. The proposed changes aim to better reflect the population distribution and enhance the governance of recreational and park facilities in the parish. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
HB444 Original:
HB444 Engrossed: