WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 162

DISTRICTS/CRIME PREVENT: Provides relative to the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dixon McMakin

HB 162 raises the Jefferson Place/Bocage district's parcel fee cap to 1,200 per year (first year 1,000), with any change requiring voters' approval.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 162

Legislative Bill Summary – HB 162 (2026, Louisiana)

Title

DISTRICTS/CRIME PREVENT: Provides relative to the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District

Jurisdiction

Louisiana

Purpose and Intent

HB 162 proposes to increase the maximum parcel fee that the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District (East Baton Rouge Parish) may impose and collect within its boundaries. The bill retains the district and its core purpose (crime prevention, security, beautification, and district improvements) but expands the fee ceiling and initial year amount.

Key Provisions

  • Amends and reenacts portions of R.S. 33:9097.12(F)(1) and (3)(a)(i) to modify parcel fee parameters for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District.
  • Parcel Fee Authority:
    • The district may impose and collect a parcel fee within the district, subject to voter approval.
    • The board may set the fee amount by duly adopted resolution, with the fee itself to be a flat amount per improved parcel.
  • Fee Cap (maximum):
    • Current law: up to $540 per improved parcel per year (initial year $500).
    • HB 162: increases maximum to $1,200 per improved parcel per year.
  • First-Year Amount:
    • Current law: $500 per improved parcel for the first calendar year.
    • HB 162: increases first-year amount to $1,000 per improved parcel.
  • Approval Process:
    • The initial imposition and any future increases to the fee must be approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district who vote on the proposition in an election conducted under the Louisiana Election Code.
  • Scope:
    • Applies to the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District in East Baton Rouge Parish.
    • The district remains authorized to carry out crime prevention, security, beautification, and improvements within its boundaries.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Affected Entity: Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District (East Baton Rouge Parish).
  • Affected Stakeholders: District residents and improved parcels within the district (as the parcel fee is assessed per improved parcel; residential and commercial property owners within the district boundaries).
  • Governance/Procedural Bodies: The district’s board, East Baton Rouge Parish authorities (as the imposing body), and voters within the district (for approval votes).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Action:
    • HB 162 has been reported favorably (12-0) by the committee.
    • The bill has appeared on interim calendars and advanced through the legislative process.
  • Elections/Voter Approval:
    • Any future imposition or increase of the parcel fee requires an election in which a majority of the district’s registered voters voting on the proposition approve the measure, in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code.
  • Implementation:
    • The bill explicitly sets the increased maximum and first-year amounts, but actual imposition remains contingent on voter approval and board resolutions.

Potential Impact

  • Fiscal:
    • Significantly higher potential annual revenue per improved parcel (up to $1,200 vs. $540 maximum under current law) and a higher initial collection amount ($1,000 vs. $500 in the first year).
    • Increased funding availability for crime prevention, security, beautification, and district improvements.
  • Policy/Community:
    • Enables the district to fund more robust programs and projects within its boundaries, subject to voter consent.
    • Maintains a commitment to voter oversight and district governance.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive content and potential impact of HB 162 as it relates to the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District.

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

Sign in to ask a question.