Senate Bill No. 334, introduced by Senator Cathey, aims to enhance the enforcement of municipal and parish ordinances related to public health, housing, fire codes, building codes, zoning, vegetation, nuisances, and licensing. The bill amends R.S. 13:2575(A) to allow any municipality or parish to impose civil fines for violations concerning blighted or abandoned properties, as well as other specified ordinances. The definition of "housing violations" is clarified to include conditions that pose a threat to public health, safety, or welfare, and in larger municipalities (with populations of 70,000 or more), it also encompasses building codes, zoning, vegetation, and nuisance ordinances.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that allow the procedures for administrative adjudication to be applied to the enforcement of ordinances concerning building codes, zoning, vegetation, nuisances, and licensing, without the previous population limitation. This change aims to streamline the enforcement process across all municipalities and parishes, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to address violations effectively. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB334 Original: 13:2575(A)
SB334 Engrossed: 13:2575(A)