Bill > HB212

This bill establishes the Delmont Economic Development District within East Baton Rouge Parish, creating a political subdivision of the state to promote economic improvement. The district's purpose is to fund projects that encourage economic development, enhance quality of life, boost tax collections (including sales, use, and hotel occupancy taxes), and stimulate job creation by making private sector projects more feasible. The district will be governed by a seven-member board of commissioners, with appointments made by local and state officials, including representatives from specific city council districts, the mayor-president, state legislators, and the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership. This board will have broad powers, including the ability to sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire property, incur debt, and issue bonds. Crucially, the district is authorized to levy and collect a sales and use tax of up to one percent and a hotel occupancy tax of up to one percent within its boundaries, with these taxes expiring after twenty years unless outstanding debt remains. The district also gains tax increment finance authority, allowing it to use future tax revenues to fund development projects.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26rs&b=HB212&sbi=y