A Louisiana House committee last Wednesday unanimously advanced House Bill 841, a measure that would write a statutory "code of conduct" for landmen and layer in new procedural safeguards before companies can use expropriation to seize private property. The proposal leans on more face-to-face negotiation, clearer written offers and greater transparency around appraisals in disputes tied to industrial and utility projects.
What the bill would require
Under the bill's language, certificate holders who have expropriation authority must provide written notice to owners, allow landowners to be present during appraisals, and hold at least five in-person meetings or make five documented attempts to meet before filing suit. The measure also requires a written offer that lists the amount offered, a legal description of the interest to be acquired and any affected improvements, and it gives owners at least 15 calendar days to respond, according to the Louisiana Legislature.
Sponsor's pitch and a companion resolution
Rep. Brett Geymann, sponsor of the measure and chair of the committee, told lawmakers the idea is to "create a level playing field" and to make companies sit down and talk with landowners face to face. Representative Jessica Domangue introduced a companion House Concurrent Resolution 80 that backs a formal "Landman Code of Conduct" and proposed amendments that would allow fines, permit revocations and loss of operating rights, as reported by New Orleans CityBusiness.
Penalties and enforcement
The bill gives the Department of Conservation and Energy's secretary authority to enforce the code and to revoke certificates that confer expropriation power, and it sets civil penalties of $1,000 for a first violation, $2,000 for a second and $10,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The secretary or the attorney general may bring civil actions to recover penalties, and the department must publish on its website a list of violators, according to the Louisiana Legislature. The measure also specifies that expropriation hearings be held in the parish where the property is located and bars negotiation tactics that threaten to saddle owners with court costs.
Critics and industry context
Some witnesses were not entirely sold. Vernon Parish resident John West told the panel its priorities often favor economics over people, saying, "It's very clear that considering people is last, and considering economics is first," as reported by New Orleans CityBusiness. Industry groups already promote voluntary ethics and standards for land professionals, and the American Association of Professional Landmen posts a code of ethics and standards of practice, but supporters say HB 841 would add statutory teeth and a public enforcement mechanism, per the group's website.
What's next
The House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment formally reported HB 841 with amendments in a unanimous 15-0 vote, according to LegiScan. With the committee report complete, the bill now heads to the full House for consideration, where lawmakers may press for further amendments as the session proceeds.
