House Bill No. 1051, introduced 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 determination of danger will be made by the governing authority of Shreveport, taking into account reports from various public safety officials, including the code enforcement office, fire department, and police department.

Additionally, the provisions of this bill will be applied retroactively to January 1, 2023, as well as prospectively. The bill retains existing law that allows local authorities to condemn and demolish dangerous buildings but adds specific requirements for commercial property owners in the context of fire damage and subsequent dilapidation. The amendments adopted by the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs further clarify the process by which the governing authority will assess the condition of the property before requiring demolition.