RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 154 (HB 115) 2021 Regular Session Davis
New law creates the Old Goodwood Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Improvement
District in East Baton Rouge Parish for the purpose of aiding in crime prevention by
providing increased security for the district residents and promoting the beautification and
overall betterment of the district. Provides for district boundaries. New law provides that
the district shall be governed by a seven-member board of commissioners, composed as
follows:
(1) Four members appointed by the board of directors of the Goodwood Property Owners
Assoc.
(2) One member appointed by the member of the La. House of Representatives whose
district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(3) One member appointed by the member of the La. Senate whose district encompasses
all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(4) One member appointed by the member of the governing authority of the city of Baton
Rouge, parish of East Baton Rouge (city-parish) whose district encompasses all or
the greater portion of the area of the district.
All board members shall own property and reside within the district and be qualified voters
of the district.
New law provides relative to the powers and duties of the district.
New law authorizes the district, subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel fee
within the district. Provides that the maximum fee shall be $150 per year for unimproved
residential parcels and improved single-family residential parcels and $500 per year for
improved multi-family residential parcels and for commercial parcels. However, provides
that the initial parcel fee for the first year shall be $125 for residential parcels and $400 for
commercial parcels. Defines parcel as a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, an individual
tract, or a condominium improved parcel as defined in existing law (R.S. 9:1121.103).
New law provides that if multiple adjacent residential parcels are combined for the purpose
of housing a single-family dwelling, the combined parcel constitutes a single improved
parcel for the purposes of the imposition of the fee.
New law provides that the fee expires at the time provided in the proposition authorizing the
fee, not to exceed 10 years, but authorizes renewal of that fee for a term not to exceed 10
years, also subject to voter approval.
New law requires the sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish to collect the fee in the same
manner and at the same time as ad valorem taxes and provides that any unpaid fee must be
added to the parish tax rolls and enforced with the same authority and subject to the same
penalties and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes. Further requires the sheriff to remit
to the district all amounts collected not later than 60 days after collection, and authorizes the
district to enter into an agreement with the sheriff to authorize the retention of a collection
fee, not to exceed 1% of the amount collected.
New law requires the district's board to adopt an annual budget in accordance with existing
law (R.S. 39:1301 et seq.) and provides that the district shall be subject to audit by the
legislative auditor's office.
New law provides that it is the purpose and intent of new law that the additional security
patrols and other services provided by the district shall be supplemental to, and not in lieu
of, personnel and services provided in the district by other public bodies. Further provides
that if the district ceases to exist, the imposition of the parcel fee shall cease and all of the
district's funds must be transferred to the city-parish to be used only to promote, encourage,
and enhance the security and overall betterment of the area included in the former district.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 11, 2021).
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.33)