Return to flip book view

LOUISIANALOUISIANAFRATERNALFRATERNALORDER OFORDER OFPOLICEPOLICE 2024 Legislative Guide2024 Legislative Guide2024 Legislative Guide

BEHIND THE SCENES"THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE"The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice Legislative Committee andGovernmental Liaison team workstireless during the sessionadvocating for law enforcementofficers in Louisiana.Preparation continues well beforethe Session commences. Legislative advocacy is a yearround priority for the LAFOP.The most important component isyou, the member, becoming part ofour grassroots effort utilizing VoterVoice and contacting your localRepresentative and Senators to letthem know you're part of theLouisiana FOP.DAWN POW ELL , C HAI RWO MANSaint Tammany #17PA T Y OESSaint Charles #15KE LLY GI BSO NLafayette #5WI LLI E J ENK INSCrescent City #2CR AIG RU SSE LLJA MES FO LKSBaton Rouge # 1Corbet W. Penton #47DO NOV AN LIV ACA RRIGeneral CounselWA LTE R T AYL ORJambalaya #16

Mapes and Mapes is proud to represent Louisiana's menand women rank and file law enforcement officers.. Theyare the professionals that defend the line between peaceand chaos. Together we have built the strongest grassroots effort for lawenforcement in Louisiana to protect those that protect us,municipal police officers, deputies, probation and paroleagents, and a host of other law enforcement professionals.We will continue to provide the best for our clients, the menand women of Louisiana's law enforcement, who protect useveryday from the things we fear the most. Mapes and Mapeshas prepared a seat at the table for law enforcement at theLouisiana Capitol, remember: If you're not at the table your're onthe menu!!!OUR TEAMGo v er m at a l L ia s on s

HB 14RETIREMENTCHANGED TO HB 963State RepresentativeJason DewittRepublican District 25The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationHouse Bill 14 aims to repeal a clause in the Municipal PoliceEmployees' Retirement System (MPERS) law that suspendsbenefits for retirees reemployed in specific positions within 12months of retirement. This suspension, which lasts until the end ofemployment or 12 months after retirement, whichever comes first,is being eliminated. The proposed change will allow reemployedretirees to continue receiving their benefits without interruption.House Bill No. 963, introduced by Representative DeWitt, amendsand reenacts R.S. 11:2220(J)(1) and repeals R.S. 11:2220(J)(4). Keychanges include:A retiree who is reemployed within ninety days post-retirement willhave their retirement benefits suspended during theirreemployment or until ninety days from retirement, whichevercomes first. This applies even if the reemployment is part-time orcontractual.The bill also states that reemployed retirees will not receiveretirement benefits during the sixty-day period following theeffective date of their retirement.Additionally, R.S. 11:2220(J)(4) is repealed entirely, removing anyprevious provisions that contradicted these updates.Passed

HB 15RETIREMENTState RepresentativeBryan FontenotRepublican District 55The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationLouisiana House Bill 15 allows retired police officers who are at least55 years old and have served for at least 20 years to be reemployedwithout losing their retirement benefits. The retiree and theiremployer must make contributions to the retirement system duringreemployment, but the retiree will not receive additional servicecredit or accrue any further retirement benefits. Upon terminationof reemployment, the retiree's contributions can be refundedwithout interest. Employer contributions and interest will beretained by the retirement system.Notably, it allows retirees reemployed as police officers betweenJuly 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, to retain their retirement benefitsunder specific conditions, including a written election not to accrueadditional benefits.PassedBelow is the new synopsis afteramendments

HB 36RETIREMENTThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationHouse Bill No. 36, proposed by Representative Bacala during the2024 Regular Session, aims to modify the Municipal PoliceEmployees' Retirement System (MPERS). It introduces a Back-Deferred Retirement Option Plan (Back-DROP), alters participationin the traditional Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP), andrevises rules for the reemployment of retirees. Additionally, itupdates procedures for applying for survivor and beneficiarybenefits. The bill makes specific exceptions for retirees returningto work under certain conditions, extends the maximum DROPparticipation period to five years, and sets the effective date forthese changes on July 1, 2024.State RepresentativeTony BacalaRepublican District 59No Movement

HB 38RETIREMENTThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationState RepresentativeAimee Adatto FreemanDemocrat District 98House Bill No. 38, introduced by Representative Freeman in the2024 Regular Session, addresses the Municipal Police Employees'Retirement System (MPERS). It proposes changes related to thepartial dissolution of a police department, specifically adjusting thecriteria for determining such a dissolution based on the reduction inthe number of participating employees. The bill aims to amend theconditions under which a police department's size reductiontriggers certain unfunded accrued liability payments to MPERS,raising the threshold from 50 to 100 employees.No Movement

HB 42RETIREMENTState RepresentativeMichael "Gabe" FirmentRepublican District 22The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationHouse Bill No. 42, introduced in the 2024 Regular Session, aims tomodify the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System (MPERS)in Louisiana. It proposes adjustments to the composition of theMPERS board of trustees and outlines enhanced methods forcollecting delinquent payments. Key changes include expanding theboard to include sixteen trustees, specifically adding a mayor from atown or village, to better represent smaller municipalities. The billalso strengthens the enforcement mechanisms for recoveringdelinquent payments by outlining legal actions and proceduresinvolving the state treasurer. These amendments aim to improvegovernance and financial management within the system. The bill isset to become effective on January 1, 2025.Bill was amended in its regular formbelow is a synopsis afteramendments. The Louisiana FOPremoveed opposition of the bill afteramendments.Passed

HB 43RETIREMENTState RepresentativeTony BacalaRepublican District 59The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationHouse Bill No. 43, proposed by Representative Bacala for the2024 Regular Session, focuses on the Municipal Police Employees'Retirement System (MPERS). It mandates specific documentationand reporting requirements for MPERS employers, outlinespenalties for non-compliance, modifies provisions related to thesystem's board of trustees, and addresses unfunded accruedliability (UAL) payments by municipalities that dissolve orsignificantly reduce their police departments. The bill seeks toensure timely submission of necessary documents and reports, andit adjusts the framework for managing the retirement system'sgovernance and financial responsibilities.

HB 52RETIREMENTThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationHouse Bill No. 52, introduced by Representative Firment during the2024 Regular Session, focuses on amending venue provisions forlegal actions involving the Municipal Police Employees' RetirementSystem (MPERS). It modifies the Code of Civil Procedure to specifythat such actions shall be brought before the district court in thejudicial district where the employer is located, shifting from theprevious provision that allowed actions to be brought in East BatonRouge Parish or the parish of the retirement system's domicile.State RepresentativeMichael "Gabe" FirmentRepublican District 22No Movement

HB 173 CRIMEState RepresentativeBryan FontenotRepublican District 55The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationHouse Bill No. 173, introduced by Representatives Fontenot andMike Johnson during the 2024 Regular Session, creates the crime ofknowingly or intentionally approaching within twenty-five feet of alaw enforcement officer engaged in official duties after beingordered to stop or retreat. The bill defines "law enforcement officer"broadly, includes an affirmative defense if the order was notreceived or understood, and outlines penalties for violations,including fines up to five hundred dollars or imprisonment for up tosixty days, or both.Passed

HB 639 CRIMEState RepresentativeBryan FontenotRepublican District 55The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationHouse Bill No. 639, introduced by Representative Fontenot duringthe 2024 Regular Session, aims to amend the definition of"obstruction of" an officer to include the failure of a motor vehicleoperator to provide or display a state-issued driver's license oridentification upon request, when lawfully detained for an allegedlaw violation. This proposal is designed to clarify and expand thecriteria for resisting an officer, reinforcing the obligations ofindividuals during interactions with law enforcement.Passed

SB 227LAW ENFORCEMENTThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationState SenatorValarie HodgesRepublican District 13Senate Bill No. 227, enacted in the 2024 Regular Session, amendsexisting laws related to peace officer standards and training inLouisiana. The bill outlines more stringent training requirements forall categories of peace officers, including full-time, part-time, andreserve officers. Key points include:1. Full-time officers must complete a certified training program andpass a comprehensive examination within one year of employment.2. Part-time and reserve officers, employed after January 1, 2022,have three years to meet these requirements.3. Provisions ensure that training timelines are maintained even ifofficers transfer between agencies.4. The bill allows officers to perform administrative duties if they failto meet the training requirements within the stipulated time butrestricts them from exercising peace officer authority.5. Specific provisions are included for officers in small villages,giving them two years to comply with the training requirements.This legislation is designed to enhance the professionalism andpreparedness of peace officers throughout the state, ensuring theyare well-trained to handle the responsibilities of their roles. The acttakes effect upon signature by the governor, or automatically after aset period if not signed.Passed

HB 326STATE POLICEState RepresentativeDodie HortonRepublican District 9The Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationHouse Bill No. 326, introduced by Representative Horton in the2024 Regular Session, aims to address occupational diseases withinthe Division of State Police by specifically recognizing hearing lossdeveloped during employment as an occupational disease. The billoutlines provisions for affected employees, including entitlement tomedical benefits and hearing aids, establishes a rebuttablepresumption for hearing loss caused by hazardous noise exposure,and sets requirements for baseline and annual audiologicalexaminations for personnel.Passed

HB 465CIVIL SERVICEThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationHouse Bill No. 465, presented by Representative Jordan during the2024 Regular Session, proposes a constitutional amendment toremove the Baton Rouge Police Department from the municipal fireand police civil service system. This amendment aims to modifyArticle X Sections 16 and 18 of the Louisiana Constitution,specifically excluding the Baton Rouge Police Department from theclassified civil service system applicable to municipalities with apopulation exceeding thirteen thousand and to all parishes and fireprotection districts operating a regularly paid fire department. Theproposed changes will be submitted to the voters at a statewideelection scheduled for November 5, 2024.State RepresentativeEdmond JordanDemocrat District 29No Movement

HB 466CIVIL SERVICEThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationHouse Bill No. 466, presented by Representative Jordan during the2024 Regular Session, proposes a constitutional amendment toexclude municipal police departments from the fire and police civilservice system. It aims to prevent the legislature from creating acivil service system for municipal police departments. Theamendment is set for submission to Louisiana voters on November5, 2024, seeking to modify Article X Sections 16 through 20 of theLouisiana Constitution.State RepresentativeEdmond JordanDemocrat District 29No Movement

HB 666CIVIL SERVICEThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationHouse Bill No. 666, proposed by Representative Jordan, aims toremove the Baton Rouge Police Department from the municipal fireand police civil service system. This action is to be effected throughamendments and enactments within Louisiana's statutes and therepeal of certain existing statutes related to the civil service system.The bill specifies that its provisions will take effect if a relatedconstitutional amendment is adopted in a statewide election.State RepresentativeEdmond JordanDemocrat District 29No Movement

HB 667CIVIL SERVICEThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationHouse Bill No. 667, introduced by Representative Jordan, proposesthe removal of municipal police departments from their respectivefire and police civil service systems. It includes comprehensiveamendments and repeals of existing statutes and parts of theLouisiana Constitution related to municipal fire and police civilservice. The bill aims to redefine the scope and application of civilservice laws specifically for municipal police departments, adjustingthe governance and operational frameworks within which thesedepartments function.State RepresentativeEdmond JordanDemocrat District 29No Movement

SB 6CRIMEThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationSenate Bill No. 6, introduced by Senator Connick for the 2024Regular Session, proposes the creation of a crime for the unlawfuldistribution of misleading synthetic media. This includes distributingor making publicly available any synthetic media that depicts aperson without their consent, without clearly identifying the mediaas synthetic, and with the intent to mislead others about the actionsof the person depicted. The bill defines "synthetic media" as videoor voice recordings generated fully or partially by algorithms thatappear to be real. Violators could face imprisonment, a fine, orboth, effective August 1, 2024.State SenatorPatrick ConnickRepublican District 8Passed

SB 24CRIMINAL RECORDSThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationSenate Bill No. 24, introduced by Senator Seabaugh during the2024 Regular Session, aims to remove certain limitations on therelease and dissemination of booking photographs. The proposedlaw seeks to repeal existing provisions that restrict the distributionof booking photos, allowing for broader release and dissemination.This change is set to take effect on August 1, 2024.State SenatorAlan SeabaughRepublican District 31Passed

SB 22 & 31PUBLIC EMPLOYEESThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationSenate Bill No. 31, sponsored by Senator Wheat for the 2024session, aims to increase the survivor benefits for dependentchildren of deceased firemen and law enforcement officers. Itproposes raising the amount from $25,000 to $50,000 for eachdependent child. This amendment, effective August 1, 2024, appliesto cases where death results from duties performed as a fireman orlaw enforcement officer, enhancing the financial security for theirsurviving children.State SenatorWilliam "Bill" Wheat, Jr.Republican District 37Senate Bill No. 22, introduced by Senator Wheat for the 2024Regular Session, creates scholarships for the spouses of policeofficers who are killed or disabled in the line of duty. The legislationdefines eligible spouses and outlines scholarship requirements,covering tuition, fees, room and board, and providing a bookallowance. The scholarship is available for up to ten semesters tohelp spouses achieve a bachelor's degree, contingent on meetingacademic and enrollment standards.Passed

SB 264PUBLIC EMPLOYEESThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationSenate Bill No. 264, introduced by Senator Seabaugh, aims toregulate payroll deductions for public employees related to labororganization dues. It mandates that organizations requesting payrolldeductions certify the dues won't be used for political activities andrequires annual reporting on dues expenditure. The bill also setsconditions for employee authorization of dues deductions, includingthe right to cease deductions and the requirement for annualrenewal of authorization. Additionally, it prohibits public entitiesfrom recognizing labor unions as bargaining agents in employmentcontracts, effective August 1, 2024.State SenatorAlan SeabaughRepublican District 31No Movement

SB 292PUBLIC EMPLOYEESThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationSenate Bill No. 292, introduced by Senator Seabaugh for the 2024Regular Session, establishes recertification requirements for publicemployee labor organizations. The bill mandates that every even-numbered year, collective bargaining representatives must conducta secret ballot election, facilitated by a third party, to certify theirstatus. A minimum of 60% support from the collective bargainingunit is required for certification. If this threshold is not met, the unitwill be considered unrepresented and cannot join a similar unit for12 months. The law emphasizes that it does not grant publicemployees the right to collective bargaining.State SenatorAlan SeabaughRepublican District 31No Movement

SB 299PUBLIC EMPLOYEESThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice OPPOSES this LegislationState SenatorAlan SeabaughRepublican District 31Senate Bill No. 299, introduced by Senator Seabaugh for the 2024Regular Session, focuses on employment and right to work policies. Itamends and enacts provisions to affirm the state's policy on laborrelations and employee freedom of choice, prohibits interference withrights under federal labor laws, imposes restrictions on labor unionsand other employee associations, and addresses related matters, withan effective date of August 1, 2024.No Movement

SB 233WEAPONSThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationState SenatorBlake MiguezRepublican District 22PassedSenate Bill No. 233 amends Louisiana's laws regarding the carrying ofconcealed firearms. It specifies that only the attorney general andmembers of his security detail, along with members of thelegislature, are exceptions to the prohibition against carryingweapons in the state capitol building, provided they are annuallyqualified in firearm use. The bill also allows qualified lawenforcement officers and retired officers to carry concealed firearmsand prohibits business venues from denying them entry. Businessorganizations that violate this can face a civil fine of $1,000 peroccurrence, enforceable through civil action by the attorney general.The legislation includes provisions for recovering court costs andattorney fees from violators.

SB 216LAW ENFORCEMENTThe Louisiana Fraternal Order ofPolice SUPPORTS this LegislationState SenatorRick EdmondsRepublican District 6Senate Bill No. 216, introduced by Senator Edmonds for the 2024Regular Session, focuses on enhancing the provision and funding ofbulletproof vests for peace officers in Louisiana. It amends existinglaw to create the Department of Public Safety and CorrectionsSpecial Protective Equipment Fund, which is dedicated to theacquisition and distribution of bulletproof vests. The legislationmandates that the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement andAdministration of Criminal Justice establish standards for thesevests, ensuring they meet specific quality criteria. Additionally, thebill outlines the fund's financial structure, including an annualallocation from the state general fund and the acceptance ofdonations designated for this purpose.No Movement

QUICK GUIDEOTHER SUPPORTED LEGISLATIONHouse Bill No. 59, proposed by Representative Brown for the 2024Regular Session, seeks to amend the composition of the Council onPeace Officer Standards and Training within the LouisianaCommission on Law Enforcement and Administration of CriminalJustice. It specifically changes the designation of one of the councilmembers from the president/director of the Louisiana Chapter ofthe National Constables Association to the president of theLouisiana City Marshals and City Constables Association or theirdesignee.Senate Bill No. 111, sponsored by Senator Abraham for the 2024Regular Session, amends existing law to provide supplemental payto certain law enforcement officers whose agency is headquarteredin Lake Charles. This extends the provision of extra monthlycompensation of $600, previously applicable to officers in NewOrleans, to those in Lake Charles who patrol specific areas likelevees, waterways, and riverfront areas, or bridges within the city.The law requires officers to have completed one year of service anda council-certified training program. The changes are effective fromAugust 1, 2024.House Bill No. 523, introduced by Representative Wilder for the2024 Regular Session, focuses on the election of a collectivebargaining representative. The bill establishes definitions relevantto collective bargaining, details the process for certifying acollective bargaining representative through a secret ballot electionconducted by a third-party facilitator, and sets specific votingthresholds for certification. It also includes an exception for lawenforcement and firefighter services, emphasizing that theproposed law does not grant public employees a right to collectivebargaining.Passed

QUICK GUIDEOTHER SUPPORTED LEGISLATIONSenate Bill No. 184, introduced by Senator Kleinpeter for the 2024Regular Session, proposes to increase the maximum incarcerationperiod for aggravated flight from an officer. The bill seeks to amendexisting legislation to extend the imprisonment term from five to tenyears and, in cases resulting in serious bodily injury, from ten to fifteenyears. This adjustment aims to enhance penalties for the crime, withthe changes scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2024.Passed

QUICK GUIDEOTHER OPPOSED LEGISLATIONHouse Bill No. 62, introduced by Representative McCormick in the2024 Regular Session, establishes the "Second AmendmentPreservation Act." This legislation aims to prevent the enforcementof federal firearm laws that infringe on the right to keep and beararms within Louisiana. It outlines legislative intent, defines keyterms, and prohibits state and local enforcement of certain federalfirearms regulations. Additionally, it specifies legal actions andliabilities for violations, including civil penalties, and asserts thatsovereign, official, or qualified immunity cannot be used as adefense in actions brought under this law. The act includesexceptions for federal assistance and sets its effective date as July1, 2024.No Movement

QU I CK GU I DELA W E N FO R CE M EN T L E GI S LA T IO N House Bill No. 12, introduced in the 2024 Regular Session byRepresentative Jordan. It proposes amendments to Louisiana'sstatutes concerning the nonconsensual disclosure of private images.Specifically, the bill aims to modify the existing law by detailing theoffense's elements, introducing a definition for "sexualperformance," and addressing related matters. The modificationsinclude clarifying the conditions under which disclosing an imagewithout consent constitutes a crime and adding a definition tobetter specify what constitutes a "sexual performance" in thiscontext.House Bill No. 50, introduced by Representative Butler for the 2024Regular Session, proposes specific residence requirements for thechief of police in the village of Pine Prairie. It amends the existinglaw to mandate that the chief of police must reside within thevillage's corporate limits, not just within the parish boundaries.Additionally, a candidate for the office must have been domiciled inthe village for at least one year immediately preceding theirqualification as a candidate.House Bill No. 54, introduced by Representative Newell in the 2024Regular Session, proposes to regulate cannabis comprehensively. Itincludes provisions for cultivation, processing, manufacturing,licensing, and retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products. The billdetails the authority of the Department of Agriculture and Forestryover these activities, establishes criminal history checks andsuitability requirements for participants, sets application, permit,and license fees, outlines transportation restrictions, and sets civilpenalties for violations. It aims to create a structured cannabisindustry within Louisiana, ensuring safe production and sale whileproviding for administrative oversight and enforcementmechanisms.PassedPassedFailed

QU I CK GU I DELA W E N FO R CE M EN T L E GI S LA T IO NHouse Bill No. 187, introduced by Representative Villio during the2024 Regular Session, aims to amend the classified police serviceappointment process in the City of Kenner. It modifies the methodfor filling vacancies in the promotional class, specifically mandatingthat the appointing authority select and appoint a person fromamong the five highest in departmental seniority. This changeapplies exclusively to Kenner, retaining current laws but adding thisspecific exception to address local needs.House Bill No. 189, proposed by Representative Willard during the2024 Regular Session, introduces provisions for civilianinvestigators to oversee the taped statements of protected persons.It amends current laws to include civilian investigators as authorizedindividuals who can supervise the recording of such statements,ensuring they are considered competent evidence in legalproceedings. This addition aims to expand the scope ofprofessionals who can contribute to the legal process involvingprotected individuals.House Bill No. 215, introduced by Representative St. Blanc duringthe 2024 Regular Session, focuses on the classified police service inMorgan City. It changes the method of appointment for fillingvacancies in the promotional class, specifying that if a vacancycannot be filled by reinstatement or reemployment, the board mustcertify persons on the promotional list for selection. The appointingauthority must then appoint a person from among the three highestin departmental seniority for any vacancy, extending a practicepreviously applicable to other cities to Morgan City.House Bill No. 255, introduced by Representative Owen during the2024 Regular Session, focuses on the classified police service in thecity of Leesville. It changes the method of appointing individuals tofill vacancies in the promotional class within the police department,specifying that if a vacancy cannot be filled through reinstatementor reemployment, the board must certify persons from thepromotional list. The appointing authority is then required to selectand appoint a person from among the three highest in departmentalseniority for the vacancy.PassedPassedPassedPassed

QU I CK GU I DELA W E N FO R CE M EN T L E GI S LA T IO NSenate Bill No. 43, introduced by Senator McMath andRepresentative Carver for the 2024 Regular Session, amends andenacts provisions related to the carrying of concealed firearms byqualified retired law enforcement officers. The bill expands thedefinition of "qualified retired law enforcement officer" to includeretired reserve officers and provides a definition for "reserve officer."It aims to allow these individuals to carry a concealed firearmanywhere in the state, including public places, effective August 1,2024.Senate Bill No. 98, introduced by Senator McMath for the 2024Regular Session, aims to prohibit the use of handheld wirelesstelecommunications devices while operating a motor vehicle on anypublic roadway in Louisiana. The bill seeks to consolidate existinglaws into a single statute, applicable to everyone under allcircumstances, with specific definitions, exceptions, and penaltiesoutlined. It emphasizes the prevention of distracted driving byestablishing penalties for violations, including fines and communityservice, effective from August 1, 2024.Senate Bill No. 194, introduced by Senator Miguez for the 2024Regular Session, seeks to reinforce the preemption of state lawconcerning firearm regulations. It aims to restrict the ability ofpolitical subdivisions to enact ordinances, orders, or regulationsregarding the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, carrying,storage, ownership, transfer, transportation, license, or registrationof firearms, ammunition, and related items that are more restrictivethan state law. The bill also outlines procedures for legal actionsagainst political subdivisions violating this preemption, andspecifies that certain prohibitions on weapons in commercial andpublic spaces remain unaffected.PassedFailedPassed

QU I CK GU I DELA W E N FO R CE M EN T L E GI S LA T IO NSenate Bill No. 181, introduced by Senator Morris for the 2024Regular Session, proposes a constitutional amendment to adjustthe nomination process and structure of the Civil ServiceCommission. The amendment aims to change the procedure foradding unclassified positions, modify the commission'scomposition by increasing its membership from seven to elevenmembers, shorten the term lengths from six to four years, andremove the requirement for private university presidents toprovide a list of nominees to the governor for commissionmembership. This proposal is set for submission to Louisianavoters on November 5, 2024.House Bill No. 398, introduced by Representative Hilferty for the2024 Regular Session, aims to establish the New Orleans City ParkPolice. It outlines the authority, duties, commissioning, and trainingof the New Orleans City Park Police, including their right to carryconcealed weapons and exercise the power of arrest within thepark's jurisdiction. The bill specifies the commissioning process bythe Department of Public Safety and Corrections or the NewOrleans Police Department, and mandates a bond for officers andcompletion of sexual assault awareness training.House Bill No. 65, introduced by Representative Hilferty in the2024 Regular Session, proposes to expand the definition of "peaceofficer" within the Louisiana laws. The bill specifically includes theInspector General of the City of New Orleans and the employeeinvestigators of the local office of the Inspector General in NewOrleans as peace officers. This amendment aims to formallyrecognize these roles under the peace officer standards and trainingcertifications, aligning with the broader scope of law enforcementand regulatory oversight.Passed

QU I CK GU I DELA W E N FO R CE M EN T L E GI S LA T IO NHouse Bill No. 572, proposed by Representative Crews during the2024 Regular Session, seeks to prohibit collective bargainingagreements for public officers and employees. The bill aims toprevent state, parish, city, town, or any governmental body fromrecognizing any labor union or employee association as a bargainingagent or to engage in collective bargaining or enter into anycontracts that outline terms and conditions of employment relatedto public service. However, it exempts law enforcement andfirefighter services from these prohibitions.House Bill No. 571, introduced by Representative Crews during the2024 Regular Session, addresses labor organization activities withinemployment contracts. The bill defines terms related to labororganizations and prohibits public employers from using publicfunds for designated labor organization activities, including politicalactivities, lobbying, negotiating employment terms, and recruitingmembers. It declares any contract or policy compensating publicemployees for these activities as null and void, exempts lawenforcement and firefighter services, and specifies enforcementmechanisms and exceptions.