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Committee backs two Shreveport bills to speed demolition and enforcement of dilapidated buildings
Summary
The committee advanced House Bills 1051 and 1080, giving the city of Shreveport additional tools to demolish dangerous residential and commercial properties and allowing civil enforcement tied to public-safety findings; authors amended language clarifying reliance on reports from code enforcement, fire and police.
Representative Phelps presented HB 1051 to expand Shreveport’s authority to demolish certain dilapidated residential properties that present health and safety hazards, and HB 1080 to parallel those powers for condemned commercial properties. Phelps said the measures respond to repeated fire calls, arson and vacancy that leave structures unsafe for neighbors.
The committee adopted a technical amendment to HB 1051 specifying that determinations may rely on reports or findings from the code enforcement office, fire department, police department or other public-safety officials. Judge Krauszfeld (presenting with the author) explained the amendment and said the bills are intended to give the city a more efficient process to remove hazards when owners cannot or will not act.
Representative Billings and others pressed for a clearer timetable in the bill text — for example, how long owners have to demolish a declared dangerous structure before municipal action — and Phelps said those operational details would be worked out in local practice and with the city attorney before floor debate. Firefighters’ association representatives appeared on witness cards in support and offered to provide technical information if requested.
Both bills were moved favorably to the floor, with the author agreeing to consult the city attorney on remaining drafting questions prior to final House debate.
