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)]
Leopold HB No. 253
Abstract: Authorizes the stationing of law enforcement officers at polling places in certain
circumstances.
Present law (R.S. 18:428) defines "law enforcement officer" to mean any employee of the state, a
municipality, a sheriff, or other public agency, whose permanent duties include making arrests,
performing searches and seizures, or executing warrants, and who is responsible for the
prevention or detection of crime or for the enforcement of penal, traffic, or highway laws.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law (R.S. 18:2(5.1)) defines "polling place" as any location where voting, either early or
on election day, is conducted pursuant to the La. Election Code. Proposed law retains present
law.
Present law (R.S. 18:428) prohibits law enforcement officers from being stationed at polling
places on election day.
Proposed law creates an exception to present law. Proposed law authorizes law enforcement
officers to be stationed at polling places if in the regular course and scope of their duties such
officers provide security for the public building housing the polling place and the personnel in
such building.
Proposed law further provides that such law enforcement officers shall not interfere with the
conduct of the election, the voters, or the election officials.
(Amends R.S. 18:428(E); Adds R.S. 18:428(F))