The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Dawn Romero Watson.
DIGEST
Amedee (SB 601)
Present law provides that the officers of every municipality shall be a mayor, aldermen
(councilmen), a chief of police, a tax collector and a clerk.
Present law provides for at-large elections for the office of mayor and of police chief in all
municipalities. Further provides for exceptions with respect to the chief of police in certain
municipalities.
Present law (R.S. 33:362(C)) provides that any department of a municipality, other than the
police department in a municipality with an elected chief of police, shall be created, abolished,
merged, or consolidated by the board of aldermen, upon the written recommendation of the
mayor.
Proposed law provides an exception to present law for the elective office of the chief of police in
the town of Sorrento. Provides that the Sorrento council (board of alderman), may, upon the
recommendation of the mayor, adopt an ordinance calling for an election to abolish the office of
chief of police, the police department, or both. Provides that the election shall be held in
accordance with the Louisiana Election Code.
Proposed law provides that, if a majority votes to abolish the office of the chief of police, the
office shall be abolished upon the end of the term of the chief of police in office at the time or
when a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs first; however, if at the time the election
occurs the office is filled by an officer temporarily appointed, the abolition of the office shall
become effective as provided by the ordinance.
Proposed law provides that, if a majority votes to abolish the police department, the department
shall be abolished as provided by the ordinance.
Proposed law provides that, if the office of chief of police or the police department is abolished
pursuant to proposed law, the mayor and council may contract with any law enforcement entity
or officer within Ascension Parish for police services.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:381(C)(33))