Committee reports bill giving Saint George expropriation powers for public projects to the floor

Senate Bill 444 was reported favorably to the floor after sponsor explanation and committee questions about process and scope.

Sen. Edmonds told the committee the bill grants Saint George authority similar to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to expropriate property for public capital projects, including roads, bridges, drainage, flood protection and utilities. "This applies to the authority projects including roads and bridges, drainage and stormwater infrastructure, flood protection, water, sewer, utility infrastructure, and other public capital projects," he said.

Chair Gabbieri described the typical process for expropriation — appraisal, offer, owner acceptance or court determination of payment — and the sponsor and committee members affirmed that the usual appraisal and court processes would remain in place.

Committee members also clarified the bill is intended to enable city infrastructure projects and not to transfer authority to private industry. With no objections, the committee voted to report SB444 favorably to the floor; the transcript records the motion carried without a roll‑call tally.