Amedee (SB 601) Act No. 605
Prior law provided that the officers of every municipality shall be a mayor, aldermen
(councilmen), a chief of police, a tax collector and a clerk.
Prior law provided for at-large elections for the office of mayor and of police chief in all
municipalities. Further provided for exceptions with respect to the chief of police in certain
municipalities.
Prior law (R.S. 33:362(C)) provided 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.
New law provides an exception to prior 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 La. Election Code.
New 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.
New law provides that, if a majority votes to abolish the police department, the department
shall be abolished as provided by the ordinance.
New law provides that, if the office of chief of police or the police department is abolished
pursuant to new 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 (June 12, 2014).
(Adds R.S. 33:381(C)(33))