The Louisiana Legislature's Transportation Committee convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss House Bill 613, which proposes the creation of a new airport district that would transfer control of land leases and operations from local government to a newly established entity. This bill has sparked significant opposition from local officials, particularly from Iberia Parish, where Lemire Memorial Airport is located.

Councilwoman Lady Brown, representing District 12, voiced her strong opposition to the bill, emphasizing the lack of transparency and community engagement in the legislative process. She criticized the method of notifying the public about the bill, stating that reliance on local newspaper notices is insufficient given the decline in readership. Brown highlighted that the Iberia Parish Council, the elected body responsible for managing local assets, was not consulted prior to the bill's introduction, which she described as a failure of respect for local governance.

The councilwoman argued that the bill undermines public trust and could set a dangerous precedent for local authority across Louisiana. She clarified that her opposition is not against economic development but rather against the process that disregards elected leadership and public accountability.

In support of Brown's position, Iberia Parish President Fontenot expressed concerns about the rushed nature of the bill, noting that local officials only became aware of it five weeks prior to the meeting. He emphasized the importance of the airport as a longstanding asset for the parish and questioned the wisdom of transferring control without a thorough understanding of the implications.

The committee's discussion also touched on broader concerns regarding the potential erosion of local governance. Representatives raised questions about the implications of allowing state-level decisions to strip local governments of their assets without their consent.

As the committee continues to deliberate on House Bill 613, the opposition from local leaders underscores the critical need for transparency and collaboration in legislative processes that affect community resources. The outcome of this bill could have lasting effects on local governance and public trust in Louisiana.