Senate Bill No. 198, introduced by Senator Mizell, amends R.S. 25:742 to expand the powers of historic district commissions in Louisiana. The bill changes the applicability of these commissions from only private property to all property within the designated historic districts. It also modifies the requirement for governmental agencies to seek advice from the historic district commission, limiting it to new construction projects rather than all substantive changes, modifications, renovations, or restorations. Additionally, the bill stipulates that state or local governmental agencies cannot commence new construction projects within these districts or at designated landmarks without obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the relevant historic district commission, unless this requirement is waived.

Furthermore, the bill grants historic preservation district commissions the authority to initiate civil actions, including seeking injunctive relief, to enforce compliance with the new provisions. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026. The amendments adopted by the Senate Committee on Education include the exclusion of state infrastructure projects from the new construction requirement and technical adjustments to the language of the bill.

Statutes affected:
SB198 Original:
SB198 Engrossed: