The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Sharon F. Lyles.
DIGEST
SB 80 Original 2017 Regular Session Bishop
Present law requires a law enforcement officer (state police, sheriff, or local police officer) to
investigate and report traffic accidents within their jurisdiction to the Dept. of Public Safety and
Corrections.
Proposed law authorizes the superintendent of police in any parish with a population of not less than
250,000 nor more than 350,000, based upon the latest federal decennial census, to authorize a
civilian traffic control officer or entity to investigate traffic accidents except when the traffic accident
(1) results in the death or injury to any person; (2) involves a driver who refuses to or cannot provide
a driver's license, proof of insurance, or vehicle registration; or (3) involves a driver who is suspected
of being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other controlled substances.
Proposed law requires the superintendent of police to establish qualifications for and provide training
to a civilian traffic control officer or entity that meets the qualifications prior to conducting any
traffic accident investigation under proposed law.
Proposed law requires the civilian traffic control officer or entity to provide an accident report to the
DPS&C and to immediately report the accident to the parish police department if he believes a
criminal offense has occurred or the accident (1) results in the death or injury to any person; (2)
involves a driver who refuses to or cannot provide a driver's license, proof of insurance, or vehicle
registration; or (3) involves a driver who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol,
narcotics, or other controlled substances.
Effective August 1, 2017.
(Adds R.S. 32:398(N))