HLS 14RS-167 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 593
BY REPRESENTATIVE NANCY LANDRY
SCHOOLS: (Constitutional Amendment) Authorizes legislation to provide for preparation
and adoption of a plan for the structure and organization of governance of the
Lafayette Parish school system subject to voter approval, including exceptions from
certain constitutional provisions
A JOINT RESOLUTION1
Proposing to add Article VIII, Section 9(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to provide2
relative to the governance of the public school system of Lafayette Parish; to3
authorize legislation to provide for preparation, adoption, and implementation of a4
plan for the structure and organization of governance of the school system, including5
certain exceptions to constitutional provisions; to require approval of the electors of6
the parish for the plan to become effective; to provide for submission of the proposed7
amendment to the electors; and to provide for related matters.8
Section 1. Be it resolved by the Legislature of Louisiana, two-thirds of the members9
elected to each house concurring, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the state of10
Louisiana, for their approval or rejection in the manner provided by law, a proposal to add11
Article VIII, Section 9(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to read as follows:12
§9. Parish School Boards; Parish Superintendents; Exception13
Section 9.14
* * *15
(C) Lafayette Parish Excepted. (1) The legislature may provide by law for16
the preparation and adoption of a plan for the structure and organization of17
governance of the public school system in Lafayette Parish and for changes in such18
plan. Such plan shall not be subject to the provisions of Paragraphs (A) and (B) of19 HLS 14RS-167 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 593
Page 2 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
this Section or any other provision of this constitution that would restrict or limit the1
structure and organization of school system governance or implementation of the2
plan. The plan shall become effective only if approved by a majority of the electors3
of the parish voting on a proposition or propositions therefor. If approved, the school4
system governing authority provided in the plan shall be considered a school board5
for purposes of provisions of this constitution, except as provided in this Paragraph.6
(2) The legislature may provide by law for implementation of this Paragraph7
and for changes in law in conformity with the adopted plan of governance, including8
but not limited to local laws for the management of the school system.9
Section 2. Be it further resolved that this proposed amendment shall be submitted10
to the electors of the state of Louisiana at the statewide election to be held on November 4,11
2014.12
Section 3. Be it further resolved that on the official ballot to be used at the election,13
there shall be printed a proposition, upon which the electors of the state shall be permitted14
to vote YES or NO, to amend the Constitution of Louisiana, which proposition shall read as15
follows:16
Do you support an amendment to authorize legislation to provide for17
preparation, adoption, and implementation of a new plan for the structure and18
organization of governance of the school system of Lafayette Parish,19
including certain exceptions to constitutional provisions, such plan to become20
effective if approved by the voters of the parish? (Adds Article VIII, Section21
9(C))22
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. 593
Abstract: Authorizes legislation to provide for preparation and adoption of a plan for the
structure and organization of governance of the Lafayette Parish school system
subject to voter approval, including exceptions from certain constitutional
provisions. HLS 14RS-167 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 593
Page 3 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Present constitution requires the legislature to create parish school boards and provide for
the election of their members. Requires each parish board to elect a superintendent of parish
schools. Provides for the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish
the qualifications and duties of the parish superintendent. Specifies that the superintendent
is not required to be a resident of the parish.
Proposed constitutional amendment authorizes legislation to provide for the preparation and
adoption of a plan for the structure and organization of governance of the public school
system in Lafayette Parish and for changes in such plan. Provides that the plan is not subject
to present constitution described above or other constitutional provisions that would restrict
or limit the structure and organization of school system governance or implementation of the
plan. Requires approval of a majority of the electors of the parish voting on the
proposition(s) for the plan to become effective. Provides that if the plan is approved, the
school system governing authority shall be considered a school board for purposes of other
constitutional provisions. Authorizes legislation to implement proposed constitutional
amendment and to make changes in law in conformity with the adopted plan of governance,
including but not limited to local laws for the management of the school system.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election
to be held Nov. 4, 2014.
(Adds Const. Art. VIII, §9(C))