WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 179

DISTRICTS/CRIME PREVENT: Requests the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs, or a subcommittee thereof, to study the effectiveness of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts in reducing crime

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Denise Marcelle

Requests a committee-led study to evaluate the effectiveness of neighborhood crime prevention/security districts and how parcel-fee funds are used, due by March 1, 2027.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 179

Summary of HR 179 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose

  • To urge and request the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs (or a subcommittee) to study the effectiveness of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts in reducing crime.
  • The Committee is asked to report its findings to the Louisiana House of Representatives no later than March 1, 2027.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

  • The resolution directs a study of:
    • Whether neighborhood crime prevention and security districts effectively reduce crime.
    • How the funds generated by parcel fees (levied by or on behalf of these districts) are used, including alignment with district goals and objectives and whether expenditures are efficient.
  • Background context provided in the resolution notes:
    • These districts are established under Chapter 29 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
    • Districts typically have governing bodies comprised of local officials, property owners, or appointed community residents.
    • Powers commonly include enhanced patrols, security measures, and the use of surveillance/technology (e.g., security cameras, lighting).
    • Funding is often via parcel fees, subject to district resident approval.
    • Most existing districts are located in Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Local residents within existing or proposed neighborhood crime prevention and security districts.
  • Property owners within these districts (due to parcel fees and district governance).
  • Local governments and officials involved in district oversight and administration.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • This is a House Resolution, not a bill changing law.
  • The requested study and its findings are to be reported to the House of Representatives by March 1, 2027.
  • The resolution was introduced in the 2026 Regular Session by Representative Marcelle, with Denise Marcelle listed as a co-sponsor.
  • Current action history: Read by title and referred to the Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs.

Potential Impact

  • Provides a formal mechanism to assess the practicality and effectiveness of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts.
  • Could influence future legislative or policy decisions based on the study’s findings, including:
    • Justification for continuing, modifying, expanding, or dissolving such districts.
    • Recommendations on funding practices, transparency, and accountability for parcel fee expenditures.
    • Evaluation of crime reduction outcomes associated with district initiatives.

Summary in One Sentence

HR 179 requests a detailed, committee-led study on whether neighborhood crime prevention and security districts reduce crime and how parcel-fee funds are used, with findings due to the Louisiana House by March 1, 2027.

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

Sign in to ask a question.