This bill enacts Part XIII of Title 19 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 19:396 through 409, which authorizes the city of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish to acquire property through expropriation via a declaration of taking. The legislation outlines the definitions of key terms, such as "governing authority," "property," and "owner," and establishes the procedures for the city to follow when it cannot amicably acquire property needed for public projects. The bill allows for the vesting of title prior to judgment, enabling the city to take possession of the property after depositing estimated compensation into the court registry.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the expropriation process will follow similar procedures as those used by the Department of Transportation and Development, while also ensuring that the city cannot expropriate properties related to utilities under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The legislation includes provisions for filing petitions, serving pleadings, and contesting the validity of the taking, as well as stipulations for compensation and damages. The authority granted by this Part is supplementary to any existing expropriation powers held by the city of St. George.