House Bill No. by Representative Phelps aims to address the issue of dilapidated commercial properties in the city of Shreveport. The bill enacts R.S. 33:4574.1, which mandates that if a commercial property owner receives an insurance payment for fire damage and the property subsequently becomes dilapidated, posing a danger to public health and welfare, the owner is required to demolish the property. This provision is designed to ensure that unsafe structures are promptly addressed to protect the community.

Additionally, the bill specifies that its provisions will be applied retroactively to January 1, 2023, as well as prospectively. It retains existing law that allows local governing authorities to condemn and demolish dangerous buildings but adds the specific requirement for commercial property owners in Shreveport to take action following fire damage and insurance compensation.