CHAPTER 44. PORT DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION

§2701. Port Development Advisory Commission

            A. The Port Development Advisory Commission is hereby established within the office of port development. It shall be composed of the following:

            (1) The secretary of the Department of Economic Development or his designee.

            (2) The commissioner of multimodal commerce or his designee.

            (3) The chairs of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs and the House Committee on Commerce or their designees.

            (4) Three representatives of the Ports Association of Louisiana selected by its board of directors, including one representative each representing inland, deepwater, and coastal ports.

            (5) Two representatives of the Regional Economic Alliance of Louisiana selected by its membership including one located outside of the coastal zone.

            (6) A member of the Senate selected by the president of the Senate.

            (7) A member of the House of Representatives selected by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

            B. The Port Development Advisory Commission shall meet and develop an operational plan for the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature for the following:

            (1) An allocation of the department employees, equipment, facilities, and funding that the commission finds necessary to carry out the functions conferred upon the office of port development by the provisions of R.S. 36:108(C) to become effective on July 1, 2024.

            (2) The organizational structure of the office of port development, with a further initial allocation of the office's powers, duties, responsibilities, officers, equipment, and employees among the specific divisions provided for in R.S. 36:108(C), to become effective on July 1, 2024.

            (3) Proposed legislation for the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature necessary to implement the operational plan on July 1, 2024.

            C. The operational plan of the Port Development Advisory Commission shall be presented to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs and the House Committee on Commerce, meeting jointly, for their review, amendment, and approval no later than February 1, 2024.

            D. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of taking any action, and actions of the commission may be taken by an affirmative vote of the members of the commission present.

            E. The commission shall elect a chairman and may elect other officers as it deems appropriate.

            F. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except per diem or expenses reimbursement to which they may be individually entitled as members of the constituent organizations.

            G. The department and Senate Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the commission.

            H. After July 1, 2024, the commission shall continue to exist in an advisory capacity to the commissioner.

            Acts 2023, No. 459, §2, eff. June 28, 2023.