Livingston Parish Council introduces stricter littering fines aligning with state law

During the recent Livingston Parish Council meeting on July 11, 2025, significant discussions centered around two key topics: tax reductions for homeowners and the introduction of stricter littering penalties.

The council approved a tax reduction that will benefit homeowners in the parish. Specifically, residents with homes valued at $250,000 can expect a decrease of approximately $112 in their tax bills. This decision reflects the council's commitment to easing the financial burden on residents, allowing them to retain more of their income.

In addition to tax matters, the council introduced an ordinance aimed at increasing penalties for littering. Councilman Chavers presented the proposal, which aligns local fines with state law maximums. Under the new ordinance, the penalties for littering will escalate significantly with repeated offenses: a first offense will incur a $500 fine and four hours of community service; a second offense will result in a $1,500 fine and eight hours of community service; and a third offense will carry a $3,000 fine, 30 days in jail, and a one-year suspension of the offender's driver's and hunting and fishing licenses.

Council members engaged in a robust discussion regarding the implications of these penalties, particularly the potential long-term consequences for offenders. Some members expressed concerns about the harshness of losing a driver's license for littering, suggesting that a "rolling off" period for offenses might be beneficial. This would allow past offenses to be disregarded after a certain timeframe, preventing lifelong penalties for youthful mistakes.

The council also debated the necessity of having local ordinances that mirror state laws, with some members questioning whether this creates unnecessary bureaucracy. However, it was clarified that local enforcement can provide more significant penalties and ensure that the parish retains a larger share of the fines collected.

The proposed ordinance will undergo further review before a public hearing scheduled for July 24, 2025, where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's efforts to balance financial relief for residents with the need for stricter environmental regulations, reflecting a proactive approach to governance in Livingston Parish.