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Committee approves bill allowing Baton Rouge Metro Council to create independent airport authority
Summary
Senate Bill 176 was reported with amendments that allow the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council to create an independent regional airport authority; the committee adopted technical amendments on governance, retirement-plan handling and a sunset for current legislative seats on the commission.
The House Transportation Committee on May 19 voted to report Senate Bill 176 with amendments, a measure authorizing the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council to establish an independent regional airport authority to govern the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.
Sponsor Senator Fowell said the bill would allow local leaders to move airport governance from a council advisory model to an independent authority. The committee adopted a 16-part amendment set that adjusted governance language, clarified that existing legislative seats on the current commission would terminate on Dec. 31, 2027, and addressed retirement-system transition language for transferred employees.
Mike Edwards, airport director, and other local officials were present and the committee adopted amendments intended to ensure employees’ pension obligations and to allow the metropolitan council to enter intergovernmental agreements with the new authority. After the amendments were adopted, Representative Dickerson moved to report SB 176 with amendments and the committee approved the motion with no recorded objections.
What happened next: SB 176 will be reported with amendments and will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.
Sources: Committee proceedings and public testimony during the May 19 House Transportation Committee hearing.
