SPECIAL DISTRICTS: Provides for changes to the Baker Economic Development District. (gov sig)
Summary
SB 281 amends the statute governing the Baker Economic Development District and Convention Center by revising the district’s legal boundaries. The bill updates R.S. 33:9038.71(B) to more precisely describe the district as consisting of nonresidential parcels bordering Plank Road within the City of Baker, while excluding parcels used in whole or in part for residential purposes. It also continues the district south along Plank Road beyond the city limits into unincorporated East Baton Rouge Parish and identifies specific parcels and tracts included in the district.
The measure is a boundary-adjustment bill for a special economic development district rather than a broad policy change. By redefining which parcels are inside the district, it affects the geographic scope of the Baker Economic Development District’s authority and may influence which properties are subject to district-related governance, financing, or development initiatives tied to the convention center and economic development purposes. The act became law without the governor’s signature as Act 594.
Impact
SB 281 changes Louisiana law by amending R.S. 33:9038.71(B), the statute creating and defining the Baker Economic Development District and Convention Center. The practical effect is to redraw the district’s boundaries, clarify that only nonresidential parcels along Plank Road are included, and expressly list certain parcels and tracts that fall within the district. This impacts property owners, local officials, and any district-related taxing, financing, or development activities tied to the special district.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been noncontroversial. It passed the Senate unanimously, 36-0, and there is no committee transcript indicating opposition or extended debate. The lack of recorded dissent and the fact that it became law without the governor’s signature suggest general acceptance of the boundary clarification and district adjustment.
Contention
No notable contention is reflected in the available record. The only potentially sensitive issue is the precise inclusion and exclusion of specific parcels, especially the exclusion of residential property and the extension into unincorporated East Baton Rouge Parish, which could matter to affected landowners or local stakeholders. However, the vote history shows no recorded opposition, and no committee discussion is available to indicate any dispute.