House Bill No. 677, introduced by Representative Thompson, enacts R.S. 41:909 to authorize the Tensas Parish School Board to sell or exchange certain school lands, including 16th section lands and indemnity lands, when deemed no longer necessary for school purposes. The bill stipulates that the school board must determine that such actions serve the best interest of the Tensas Parish school system. Additionally, it requires the school board to obtain an appraisal from a certified, licensed appraiser for the land involved in the transaction, which must be made available for public inspection.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that if land is exchanged, the total value of the consideration received by the Tensas Parish School Board must be equal to or greater than the value of the land being relinquished. It also ensures that all mineral rights and interests are reserved to the state as required by law. This legislation modifies existing procedures for the sale of school lands by allowing for direct sales or exchanges, thereby streamlining the process for the Tensas Parish School Board.