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)]
Norton HB No. 1226
Abstract: Requires a person who formerly held elected public office to remove signs and cease
using letterhead that indicates that the person continues to hold such elected public office,
provides for civil penalties, and provides district attorneys with enforcement authority.
Proposed law provides that within six months from the date on which a person who was elected
to public office ceases to hold such office, the person shall remove all signs erected by him or on
his behalf that indicate to the public that the person continues to hold such elected public office.
Proposed law prohibits a person who was elected to public office who has ceased to hold such
office from using a letterhead that indicates that the person continues to hold such elected public
office.
Proposed law provides that a district attorney may bring a judicial action to enforce proposed
law. Provides that in any such action, the court may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $500.
Proposed law provides, however, that prior to instituting an action to enforce proposed law, the
district attorney shall send notice to the person informing the person of the alleged violation, and
the district attorney shall allow the person 30 days from the date the notice is sent to remove the
sign or signs or to cease the use of and destroy any remaining letterhead, as applicable. Provides
that if the person fails to comply, the district attorney may bring an enforcement action.
Proposed law provides that costs and reasonable attorney fees shall be awarded to the district
attorney in all actions when the district attorney successfully enforces the provisions of proposed
law.
Proposed law provides that each former elected official who ceased to hold elected public office
prior to the effective date of proposed law shall comply with the provisions of proposed law
within six months from the effective date of proposed law.
(Adds R.S. 42:5)