Louisiana Senate Bill SB186

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/4/12

Caption

Constitutional amendment to provide that any person who is appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected office shall not be eligible to be a candidate for election to that office. (2/3-CA13s1(A))

Impact

If enacted, SB186 would amend several sections of the Louisiana Constitution, particularly Articles IV, VIII, and X, which govern various aspects of state governance and the election process. The change would mean that any future appointments to fill vacancies on the ballot would not include those appointees as candidates in subsequent elections for that position. This is designed to discourage the practice of political maneuvering, where appointees might use their temporary position to gain an advantage in upcoming elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 186 proposes a constitutional amendment in Louisiana that stipulates that any individual appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected office would be ineligible to run for election to that same office. The bill seeks to ensure that those who are temporarily appointed cannot also serve as candidates for the office they are appointed to fill. This aims to create a clear separation between appointed and elected officials and promote the integrity of electoral processes by preventing potential conflicts of interest.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB186 appears to reflect a desire for electoral fairness and the establishment of clear boundaries in political appointments. Supporters argue that the amendment will improve the democratic process by ensuring that voters choose their representatives and not those who may have benefited from a temporary appointment. However, there could be detractors who view this as an unnecessary restriction on political participation, particularly for capable leaders who may be appointed during transitional periods.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SB186 may arise from the implications for local governance and the practicalities of filling vacancies. While the bill aims to maintain integrity in elections, opponents could argue that it limits the pool of candidates for important positions, particularly when vacancies need to be filled swiftly to maintain continuity in governance. Critics might highlight that the bill could inadvertently disenfranchise capable public servants who would be well-suited to serve in the office they temporarily occupy.