Senate Bill No. 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 their jurisdiction, which includes buildings, structures, areas, and sites that are part of a historic section. It requires that any governmental agency, when planning substantive changes, modifications, renovations, restorations, demolitions, or constructions that affect the exterior architectural features of designated landmarks or significant structures, must seek advice from the historic district commission before letting out bids for such work.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any actions taken by state or local government agencies that involve changes to designated landmarks or significant structures must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the relevant historic preservation district commission, unless this requirement is waived. Furthermore, the bill grants historic preservation district commissions the authority to initiate civil proceedings, including seeking injunctive relief, to enforce these provisions. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB198 Original: