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HB 127

DISTRICTS/NEIGHBORHOOD: Provides relative to the Victoria Farms Crime Prevention and Improvement District in East Baton Rouge Parish

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vanessa LaFleur

Establishes the Victoria Farms Crime Prevention and Improvement District to fund security, maintenance, and neighborhood improvements via assessments on benefited properties.

Sent to the Governor for executive approval.
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Bill Summary · HB 127

Summary of HB 127 (2026) – Victoria Farms Crime Prevention and Improvement District (East Baton Rouge Parish)

Overview

HB 127 proposes establishing and governing the Victoria Farms Crime Prevention and Improvement District in East Baton Rouge Parish. The bill outlines the district’s purposes, powers, governance structure, funding mechanisms, and related procedural provisions. The primary aim is to enhance safety, security, and neighborhood improvements within the district boundaries.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a special district dedicated to crime prevention, public safety, and targeted neighborhood improvements in Victoria Farms.
  • Provide a framework for coordinated action among property owners, residents, and local government to address crime, deterioration, and quality-of-life concerns.
  • Enable dedicated funding and governance to implement security, maintenance, and improvement initiatives.

Key Provisions and Changes

Establishment and Boundaries

  • Establishes the Victoria Farms Crime Prevention and Improvement District within East Baton Rouge Parish.
  • Defines the geographic boundaries of the district (specific parcel boundaries would be set in implementing documents or maps referenced by the bill).

Governance

  • Structure: The district would be governed by a board (typically comprised of property owners and/or residents within the district, as defined by Louisiana law for districts of this type).
  • Appointment/Composition: Specifies how board members are appointed (e.g., by parish officials or property owners) and term lengths.
  • Duties: The board is responsible for management, budgeting, and oversight of district activities.

Powers and Activities

  • Public Safety and Crime Prevention: Funding or organizing security measures, neighborhood watch activities, and related crime-prevention initiatives.
  • Environmental and Property Maintenance: Activities aimed at maintaining property values and appearance (e.g., landscaping, code enforcement within the district’s scope).
  • Public Improvements: Potential improvements or services such as lighting, infrastructure enhancements, or other district-approved projects.
  • Contracting and Procurement: Authority to contract for services, equipment, or projects necessary to achieve district objectives, subject to applicable laws and procurement rules.

Funding and Taxation/Assessments

  • Funding Mechanisms: The district would have the ability to levy assessments on benefited properties (most commonly on parcels within the district) to fund its operations and projects.
  • Rates and Collection: Guidelines for assessment amounts, billing, delinquency penalties, and process for collection, consistent with Louisiana district law.
  • Budgeting: Annual budgeting requirements, including how funds are allocated to different initiatives (security, maintenance, capital projects).

Accountability and Reporting

  • Financial Transparency: Requirements for annual audits, financial reports, and public disclosure to ensure accountability to residents and property owners.
  • Public Meetings: Obligations to hold meetings, with notice and opportunities for public comment.

Intergovernmental and Administrative Provisions

  • Cooperation with Parish and Local Agencies: Provisions for collaboration with East Baton Rouge Parish government, law enforcement, and other relevant entities.
  • Transition and Termination: Provisions covering how the district can be modified, dissolved, or reconfigured, if applicable.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Property owners and residents within the Victoria Farms area who would be subject to district assessments.
  • Local law enforcement and parish government that would coordinate with the district on safety and improvement initiatives.
  • Service providers contracted by the district for security, maintenance, or capital projects.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced in the 2026 session and referred through standard committee and chamber processes.
  • Legislative Timeline:
    • February 13, 2026: Provisionally referred to the Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs.
    • March 9, 2026: Referred to the Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs (under rules).
    • April 1, 2026: Passed the House of Representatives on final reading (yea 83, nay 11); title adopted.
    • April 7, 2026: Read second time and referred to the Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs.
    • May 4, 2026: Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau (forwarding the bill to the Senate for consideration).
  • Next Step: If approved by the Senate and enacted, the district would be formed and would begin implementing its authority and projects per the approved plan and funding mechanisms.

Note

  • The summary reflects content typically associated with district creation bills in Louisiana (crime prevention/improvement districts). Specifics such as the exact boundary description, board composition, assessment rates, and project lists would be defined in the district’s enabling ordinance and approved plan or in accompanying statutory language.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on particular aspects (e.g., fiscal impact, governance details, or compliance requirements) or compare with similar districts in Louisiana.

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

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