The original instrument was prepared by Michael Bell. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Dawn
Romero Watson.
DIGEST
SB 38 Engrossed 2015 Regular Session Johns
Present law, relative to municipal fire and police civil service for municipalities with a population
between 13,000 and 250,000, defines "seniority" as the total employment computed for an employee
beginning with the last date on which he was regularly and permanently appointed to a particular
department and has worked continuously to and including the date of computation.
Proposed law provides that "departmental seniority" is defined as the term "seniority" is defined in
present law and adds "promotional seniority" as a defined term to mean the total cumulative
employment in a class of positions of the next lower class from which a promotion is to be made.
Further provides that employment counted toward seniority in the next lower class shall include the
aggregate of all temporary appointments, the working test period, and employment as a regular and
permanent employee in the class, less the aggregate of suspensions without pay while serving in a
position of the class.
Present law provides that promotions to vacant positions shall be filled by qualified applicants in
order of seniority in total departmental service.
Proposed law retains present law, but makes an exception for the Lake Charles Police Department.
Provides that when a vacant position in the Lake Charles Police Department is filled by a promotion,
it shall be by qualified applicants in the order of promotional seniority in the next lower rank.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 33:2473(20), 2491(D) and (H), and 2494(C))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs to
the original bill
1. Adds definition of "promotional seniority".
2. Adds authority for the municipal civil service board for the Lake Charles Police
Department to maintain and generate employment lists based on promotional
seniority.