House Resolution No. by Representative Dana Henry establishes the Expropriation and Acquisition for Strategic Transformation (E.A.S.T.) Task Force. This task force is tasked with studying the legal feasibility, procedural requirements, costs, and public benefits of expropriating and redeveloping vacant, blighted, or undeveloped properties in New Orleans East. The area has been plagued by issues such as illegal dumping and diminished public safety due to fragmented property ownership. The task force is required to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by March 1, 2027, while prioritizing approaches that utilize publicly owned properties and limit expropriation to those that are vacant or legally determined to be blighted.

The task force will consist of various appointed members, including representatives from local government, the state legislature, and community organizations. It will consider numerous factors, such as constitutional provisions governing expropriation, due process requirements, and the potential for economic development. The task force is expected to convene its first meeting by October 5, 2026, and will operate under the Open Meetings Law, ensuring transparency in its proceedings. Ultimately, the task force aims to provide a comprehensive study that could lead to coordinated efforts for land assembly and redevelopment in New Orleans East, benefiting both residents and the state of Louisiana.