HLS 12RS-2291 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 1142
BY REPRESENTATIVE NANCY LANDRY (BY REQUEST)
PUBLIC MEETINGS: Provides relative to committees of public bodies
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 42:14.1, relative to public bodies; to provide for the composition of2
committees of public bodies; to provide relative to the powers, duties, and authority3
of members of such committees; and to provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 42:14.1 is hereby enacted to read as follows: 6
ยง14.1. Committees of public bodies7
A. If a public body establishes a committee of the body, the committee shall8
include at least three constituent members of the body, one of whom shall serve as9
presiding officer of the committee.10
B. A person who is not a constituent member of a public body may serve on11
a committee established by the public body, but no such person shall have any form12
of voting rights or the authority to determine how a vote is taken on an item in13
committee or in a meeting of the full body.14
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Nancy Landry HB No. 1142
Abstract: Provides that if a public body establishes a committee, it must include at least
three constituent members of the body, one of whom shall serve as presiding officer
of the committee, and provides that a person who is not a constituent member of a HLS 12RS-2291 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 1142
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
public body may serve on a committee established by the public body, subject to
certain limitations.
Present law (Open Meetings Law) provides that every meeting of any public body shall be
open to the public unless closed pursuant to present law. Defines "public body" to include
village, town, and city governing authorities; parish governing authorities; school boards and
boards of levee and port commissioners; boards of publicly operated utilities; planning,
zoning, and airport commissions; and any other state, parish, municipal, or special district
boards, commissions, or authorities, and those of any political subdivision thereof, where
such body possesses policy making, advisory, or administrative functions, including any
committee or subcommittee of any of these bodies.
Present law provides that each public body shall be prohibited from utilizing any manner of
proxy voting procedure, secret balloting, or any other means to circumvent the intent of
present law. Provides that all votes made by members of a public body shall be viva voce
and shall be recorded in the minutes, journal, or other official, written proceedings of the
body, which shall be a public document. Provides procedures and requirements for notice
and public comment.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally provides that if a public body establishes
a committee of the body, the committee shall include at least three constituent members of
the body, one of whom shall serve as presiding officer of the committee. Provides that a
person who is not a constituent member of a public body may serve on a committee
established by the public body, but that no such person shall have any form of voting rights
or the authority to determine how a vote is taken on an item in committee or in a meeting of
the full body.
(Adds R.S. 42:14.1)