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)]
HB 69 Original 2020 Regular Session Green
Abstract: Eliminates the maximum age limitation for justices of the peace, implements a three-term
limitation, and extends the term of office from six to 10 years.
Present law provides that beginning in the year 2008, to qualify to run for the office of justice of the
peace a person shall not have attained the age of 70 years by the date of qualification to run for
office.
Present law also provides that a justice of the peace who attains 70 years of age while serving a term
of office shall be allowed to complete that term of office.
Proposed law repeals the present law provision that, to qualify to run for the office of justice of the
peace, a person shall not have attained the age of 70 years.
Present law requires each justice of the peace to be a resident of the ward and district from
which elected and to be able to read and write the English language correctly.
Present law provides that justices of the peace shall be elected at the congressional election for terms
of six years by the qualified voters within the territorial limits of their jurisdiction and shall take
office on the first day of January following election.
Proposed law retains present law but changes the term of office from six to 10 years for justices of
the peace.
Proposed law prohibits a person from serving as justice of the peace for more than two and a half
terms in three consecutive terms if the term of office begins on or after Jan. 1, 2021.
(Amends R.S. 13:2582(A) and (B))