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HB 362

DISTRICTS/CRIME PREVENT: Creates the Regency Park Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Candace Newell

Creates a dedicated Regency Park Townhomes Security District in Orleans Parish to fund and manage enhanced security, beautification, and district improvements.

Effective date: 05/29/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 362

Summary of HB 362 (2026) – Regency Park Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District, Orleans Parish, Louisiana

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Creates the Regency Park Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish as a political subdivision of the state.
  • Primary goals: beautification, security, and overall betterment of the specified district.

2) Boundaries

  • District boundaries are defined by a perimeter including Morrison Road, Downman Road, Seabrook Place, and Countess Lane in New Orleans.

3) Governance and Structure

  • The district is governed by a board of commissioners with five voting members and one nonvoting member.
    • Voting members:
    • The president, secretary, and treasurer of the Regency Park Townhomes Association (the association).
    • Two residents of the district appointed by the association’s governing board.
    • Nonvoting member:
    • The manager of the Regency Park Townhomes.
  • Terms:
    • Two district-resident appointees serve three-year terms initially (one for 3 years, one for 2 years, as determined by lottery). The other officers (association president, secretary, treasurer) and the manager serve for the duration of their terms.
  • Officers and governance:
    • The board elects a chairman, vice chairman, secretary, treasurer, and others as needed.
    • Minutes, records, and district funds are maintained by the board.
    • The board can adopt bylaws and rules; meetings must follow open-meeting laws, with a quorum of a majority of voting members.
    • Board members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable, related expenses.

4) Powers and Duties of the District

  • Core authorities:
    • Sue and be sued; manage a corporate seal.
    • Receive and spend funds per an adopted budget; enter contracts with private or public entities.
    • Provide or enhance security patrols, lighting, signage, and other beautification/security measures.
    • Enter into joint agreements with other districts for security and improvements.
    • Procure and maintain items and insurance related to district operations.
  • Financial and administrative:
    • Adopt an annual budget under Louisiana Local Government Budget Act.
    • Subject to audit by the Legislative Auditor.

5) Funding Mechanism — Parcel Fee (Local Option)

  • The City of New Orleans may impose a parcel fee within the district, subject to voter approval.
    • Maximum fee: up to $300 per parcel per year.
    • Fee collection: collected with ad valorem taxes; unpaid fees added to city tax rolls for enforcement.
    • Collection timing: city must remit collected funds to the district within 60 days; the city may retain a 1% collection fee.
    • Renewal and duration: fee term cannot exceed five years per proposition; renewals allowed for terms specified in the proposition, up to five years.
    • Definition of “parcel”: includes a lot, subdivided portion, an individual tract, or a condominium parcel.
  • Revenue use: funds must be used exclusively for district purposes (security, beautification, and related improvements).

6) Additional Contributions

  • The district may solicit and accept voluntary contributions and grants.

7) Relationship to State and City Services

  • Any security or services provided by the district are intended to supplement, not replace, state or city (New Orleans) personnel and services or other political subdivisions.

8) What Happens If the District Dissolves

  • If the district ceases to exist, all district funds go to the City of New Orleans to be held in a separate account and used to promote, encourage, and enhance security for the district area.

9) Indemnification and Liability

  • District indemnifies its officers and board members to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • Board members and officers face limited personal liability, with exceptions for bad faith, intentional misconduct, or improper personal benefit.
  • Protections align with general limits for directors, officers, and trustees of similar organizations.

10) Effective Date

  • In effect upon the governor’s signature or inaction lapse; otherwise as provided by law.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a one-page briefing for policymakers or a citizen-friendly summary for a district newsletter.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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