House Bill No. 553 proposes significant changes to the assessors' certification program in Louisiana by increasing the membership of the certification committee from five to eleven members. This expansion includes the addition of one member appointed by the Louisiana Tax Commission and increasing the number of assessors and deputy assessors appointed by the president of the Louisiana Assessors' Association from three to eight. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the president appoint at least one member from each of the eight Board of Director districts established by the Association.

In terms of educational requirements, the bill modifies the certification process by replacing the previous requirement of passing the Income Approach to Valuation course with the Assessment Administration course. For recertification, it retains the requirement of completing a minimum of 59 hours of continuing education but adds the Workshop 191 National USPAP Update course as an option. Assessors can also choose to complete a one-day or two-day USPAP course to meet recertification requirements. The changes outlined in this bill will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB553 Original: 47:1907(E)
HB553 Engrossed: 47:1907(E)