Votes at a glance: Committee reports several property, energy and administrative bills favorably

The Senate Natural Resources Committee reported multiple bills favorably by unanimous consent on March 11.

SB 71 (property transfer, Lafayette Parish) was amended to change the referenced official to the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development and reported as amended. The sponsor said the transfer will support redevelopment, housing and neighborhood revitalization but that federal clearance may still be required.

SB 229 (property transfer, Bossier Parish) would allow an estate interest designated to LSU to be transferred so the property can be sold; the sponsor said state surplus-property procedures apply.

SB 174 (transfer of state property held by Louisiana Tech to the Caddo Parish School Board) was reported favorably; the sponsor said the parties had worked out an agreement to allow sale.

SB 379 (cleanup for the Department of Conservation and Energy) includes technical name changes following last year’s reorganization and a substantive amendment authorizing the Mineral Board, under particular market findings, to lease agency property at a royalty between one-eighth and one-sixteenth; the committee adopted Amendment 664 and reported the bill as amended.

All four bills were moved and reported by the committee with no recorded objections during the hearing.