§349. Commercial leases; New Orleans French Quarter

            A. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, and in particular the provisions of R.S. 41:1212, the office of the state museum is authorized to lease or contract with a qualified real estate or property management company to lease, for any purposes other than oil, gas, or other mineral development, commercial space within the Lower Pontalba Building and other properties located in the New Orleans French Quarter under the ownership, management, jurisdiction, or possession of the office of the state museum, without advertising for and receiving public bids for such leases, provided that such leases are negotiated for and executed according to the terms and conditions contained in this Section.

            B. Any and all commercial leases shall be compatible with a comprehensive usage plan approved by the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum. The comprehensive usage plan shall include criteria used to evaluate an application for a commercial lease. The evaluation criteria may include but shall not be limited to:

            (1) The compatibility of the proposed use of the commercial space with the historic nature of the museum property.

            (2) The relationship and impact of the proposed commercial use on the integrity and safety of the building.

            (3) The anticipated effect of the proposed commercial use on the integrity and safety of the building.

            (4) The viability of the applicant's business plan and potential for revenue generation.

            (5) The financial qualifications of the applicant.

            (6) Whether the application, proposed use, or resulting lease will result or is likely to result in a violation of the Code of Governmental Ethics or any other applicable law.

            C.(1) Following its determination that a commercial space is or will become available for lease, the office of the state museum shall provide reasonable public notice and an opportunity to submit applications to lease such commercial space.

            (2) The public notice shall be posted on the website of the department.

            (3) The public notice shall provide the date the commercial space will be available for lease; the address of the available commercial space; and how the public may obtain additional information such as lease terms, application requirements, and evaluation criteria.

            D. All commercial leases shall be reviewed and approved by the attorney general as to form and legality.

            Added by Acts 1979, No. 581, §1, eff. July 18, 1979; Acts 1997, No. 318, §1, eff. June 18, 1997; Acts 2001, No. 156, §1; Acts 2025, No. 450, §1.