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HB 493

FLOODING/CONTROL: Prohibits expropriation by the board of commissioners of the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robby Carter

The bill bars the Amite River Basin District from expropriating property in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, while preserving replacement-cost compensation elsewhere.

Involuntarily deferred in committee.
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Bill Summary · HB 493

Summary of HB 493 (2026, Louisiana)

Title

Flooding/Control: Prohibits expropriation by the board of commissioners of the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes

Purpose and intent

  • The bill prohibits the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District board of commissioners from exercising expropriation (eminent domain) authority within two specific parishes: East Feliciana and St. Helena.
  • It retains existing authority to expropriate in other areas where applicable, but explicitly removes authority in the stated parishes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends and reenacts Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S. 38:3306(F)).
  • Current law generally allows the board to expropriate property under applicable state law (R.S. 48:441-460) with just compensation to owners.
  • Provisions in HB 493:
    • The board may not expropriate property within East Feliciana Parish or St. Helena Parish.
    • If expropriation were to occur (in other areas), owners must be paid replacement cost, including residential properties and non-residential properties (homes, businesses, barns, outbuildings, churches) as applicable.
  • The bill otherwise preserves the framework for expropriation outside the two prohibited parishes, subject to foundations in state law.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Directly affects property owners located in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes who might have been subject to expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District.
  • Property types covered by the bill include residential and commercial properties, including homes, businesses, barns, outbuildings, and churches, insofar as compensation is concerned.
  • The change narrows the district’s expropriation powers within the specified parishes, potentially limiting land acquisition for flood control projects or related works in those areas.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Involuntarily deferred in committee as of April 21, 2026.
  • Original introduction: Prefiled February 26, 2026; appeared on Interim Calendar February 27, 2026.
  • Sponsorship: Primary sponsor Robby Carter; co-sponsor noted.
  • Legal citation: Amends R.S. 38:3306(F) (addressing general powers and duties of the board).
  • Notice: Notice of intention to introduce published as required by Article III, Section 13 of the Louisiana Constitution.

Practical takeaways

  • If enacted, the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District would be prohibited from initiating expropriation proceedings in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes.
  • The bill does not bar expropriation outright in other parishes but maintains the requirement for just compensation at replacement cost where expropriation occurs.
  • The decision to advance or amend will depend on committee actions and legislative consideration, given the current deferment status.

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

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