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HB 191

DISTRICTS/CRIME PREVENT: Provides relative to the Lakewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Hilferty

Louisiana establishes Lakewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish with independent taxing authority to fund localized crime prevention and community improvement programs.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 69.
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Bill Summary · HB 191

Legislative bill overview

HB 191 establishes the Lakewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, creating a special taxing district with authority to implement crime prevention programs and infrastructure improvements in the specified area. The district would be governed by a board and funded through a dedicated tax mechanism to support public safety and community development initiatives.

Why is this important

Crime prevention districts allow neighborhoods to levy additional taxes specifically for localized safety programs, creating dedicated funding streams independent of general municipal budgets. This approach enables communities to implement customized crime reduction strategies and physical improvements tailored to neighborhood conditions while increasing accountability through a specialized governing board.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax burden on residents: Property owners within the district face additional taxation; those opposed to new taxes or skeptical of effectiveness may resist the financial obligation
  • Governance structure and accountability: Questions about board composition, appointment processes, and whether sufficient public oversight exists to ensure funds are spent effectively
  • Equity and spillover effects: Concerns that improved crime prevention in this district could displace criminal activity to neighboring areas rather than reducing overall crime in the parish

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

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