WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 440

SPECIAL DISTRICTS: Provides for the membership of the board of commissioners in a renaissance district. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Luneau

SB 440 creates a Rapides Parish Renaissance District with a nine-member board, redesigned appointments focused on juvenile services, and effective Aug 1, 2026.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 515.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 440

Summary of Bill SB 440 (Session 2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

  • SB 440 amends and reenacts provisions creating and governing a Renaissance District in Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
  • The bill redefines the district designation from population-based to parish-based (Rapides Parish) and adjusts the composition and appointment of the district’s Board of Commissioners.
  • Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Key Provisions and Changes

Creation and Jurisdiction

  • The Renaissance District remains a political subdivision of the state with jurisdiction throughout Rapides Parish.
  • The district is to be created within Rapides Parish.

Board of Commissioners: Composition and Appointments

  • The number of commissioners is increased from 7 to 9.
  • All commissioners must be qualified electors and domiciled in Rapides Parish.

Appointment Structure (Four-Year Terms)

  1. Four commissioners appointed by the Rapides Parish governing authority:
    • One member appointed from the prior nonprofit Renaissance Board of Directors (if that board exists and its members can serve).
    • Three members not employed by the parish police jury who have experience with juveniles in education, rehabilitation, or incarceration of juveniles.
  2. One member employed by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office with experience related to juveniles.
  3. One member employed by the Rapides Parish Office of the District Attorney with experience related to juveniles.
  4. Three members appointed by the Central Louisiana Juvenile Detention District, with experience related to juveniles.

(Note: This reconfigures the previous structure where five members were appointed by the parish police jury and reorganizes the balance of appointments among the parish governing authority, sheriff, district attorney, and the Central Louisiana Juvenile Detention District.)

Compensation

  • Members serve without salary or per diem, but the board may provide reasonable travel allowances for official duties, consistent with existing practice.

Who Is Affected

  • Residents and electors of Rapides Parish, as the district’s governance is parish-based.
  • The following entities interact with or appoint commissioners:
    • Rapides Parish governing authority
    • Parish Sheriff’s Office
    • Office of the District Attorney (Rapides Parish)
    • Central Louisiana Juvenile Detention District
  • Juvenile education, rehabilitation, and incarceration programs and agencies, given the emphasis on juvenile-related expertise for commissioner qualifications.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill’s provisions become effective August 1, 2026.
  • It amends and reenacts R.S. 15:1109.21 and 1109.22(A).
  • The changes include a re-designation to Rapides Parish and an expansion of the board size, with revised appointment rules focused on juveniles and related services.

Notes

  • The bill retains the option for reasonable travel funds, aligning with current practice for board members.
  • Technical adjustments were adopted by the Senate Judiciary B committee; main substantive changes center on parish designation and board composition.

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

Sign in to ask a question.