Leopold (HB 253) Act No. 189
Existing law (R.S. 18:428) prohibits law enforcement officers from being stationed at polling
places on election day.
New law creates an exception to existing 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. Provides that such law enforcement officers shall not interfere with the conduct
of the election, the voters, or the election officials.
Existing 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.
Existing 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.
Effective August 1, 2013.
(Amends R.S. 18:428(E); Adds R.S. 18:428(F))