The original instrument was prepared by Matt Deville. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Ann S.
Brown.
DIGEST
SB 351 Reengrossed 2020 Regular Session Cathey
Present law provides that all members of a state central committee of a recognized political party will
be elected every four years at the same time as the presidential preference primary election, that the
term of office will not exceed for a period beyond the time for which the member was elected, and
that members elected in 1991 will serve until their successors are chosen.
Proposed law retains present law provision regarding election of members every four years at the
same time as the presidential preference election and removes the provisions regarding terms of
office not extending beyond the time for which a member was elected and members elected in 1991
serving until their successors are chosen.
Proposed law provides that notwithstanding present law, in the event an election for members of the
state central committee does not occur at the same time as the presidential preference primary in
2020, the members of the state central committee shall be elected at the runoff of the next regularly
scheduled election (December 5, 2020.) Provides that the secretary of state shall select the dates for
qualification of candidates, conforming as closely as practicable with the timelines established in
present law. Provides that the provisions of proposed law shall only be effective until June 1, 2021.
Present law provides that membership of the state central committee of a recognized political party
with which 30% or less of the registered voters in the state are affiliated will be composed and
apportioned as provided in present law.
Proposed law provides that membership of the state central committee of a recognized political party
may alternatively elect to be composed and apportioned as provided by proposed law,
notwithstanding the provisions of present law.
Present law provides that a state central committee of a recognized political party with which 30%
or less of the registered voters in the state are affiliated on the day of the close of registration for the
gubernatorial general election will be established, composed, apportioned and elected pursuant to
enumerated criteria in present law.
Proposed law provides an alternative method to present law in which a state central committee of
a recognized political party may choose to be established, composed, apportioned and elected
pursuant to enumerated criteria in proposed law.
Present law provides that members of a parish executive committee of a recognized political party
shall be elected every four years at the same time as the presidential preference primary election.
Provides that the term of office shall not extend beyond the time for which the member was elected. Proposed law retains present law but provides that the term office of the members shall be until their
successors are qualified and elected.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 18:443(B)(1), 443.1(B), 443.2 (intro para), (2)(a)(ii), (3), and (7), and 444(B)(1); adds
R.S. 18:443(G))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill
1. Adds special election dates for a state central committee's 2020 elections if not
occurring at the presidential preference primary.
2. Adds provisions regarding parish executive committee member's term of office.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Makes technical change.