Close vote advances bill to add local legislators to BREC board after members warn of poor communication

Representative Marcel said HB 444 is intended to ensure elected legislators representing the area that hosts BREC headquarters have a formal seat at the table for decisions that involve taxpayer‑funded parks. Marcel and other proponents argued recent changes in the BREC board and decisions about park property left local lawmakers and constituents insufficiently informed.

Opponents, including several committee members, cautioned against expanding the legislative footprint into local park operations and urged greater deference to locally elected officials and existing appointment processes. Representative Freiberg and Representative Sawyer both urged additional conversation and a possible deferral so stakeholders could negotiate, but Marcel said she had already met with BREC leadership and that continued lack of communications justified moving the bill while continuing discussions.

The committee voted on the bill as amended; a roll call in committee recorded a narrow majority in favor and the bill was reported to the House floor. Supporters said adding legislators who represent the district where the commission is headquartered would offer constituents greater oversight and faster communication when major decisions are contemplated. Critics said the step risks politicizing local administration and suggested alternative approaches for increased engagement.

Representative Marcel stressed the measure does not strip municipal or metro authorities of their power but seeks a seat for affected state legislators to ensure taxpayers who fund BREC have direct legislative representation when statewide statute governs a parish commission.