RDCSB397 362 2678
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)]
SB 397 Reengrossed 2020 Regular Session Bernard
Present law provides that a member of a parish board of election supervisors may receive
compensation for not more than six days spent in the performance of his duties in preparing
for and supervising each election held in the parish and for not more than seven days for a
presidential or regularly scheduled congressional general election.
Proposed law provides for a member of a parish board of election supervisors in a parish
where the parish board of election supervisors tabulates and counts absentee by mail and
early voting ballots in accordance with proposed law to receive compensation for not more
than eight days for a presidential or regularly scheduled congressional general election and
for not more than seven days for any other primary or general election.
Present law provides that a parish board of election supervisors is responsible for the
counting and tabulation of all absentee by mail and early voting ballots in the parish and may
utilize parish board commissioners to assist with counting and tabulation. Proposed law
retains present law.
Proposed law provides that parishes with 1,000 or more absentee by mail ballots returned
may conduct the preparation and verification process for the tabulation and counting of
absentee by mail and early voting ballots the day before the election and conduct the
tabulation and counting of those ballots on election day. Provides procedures to determine
the validity, security, transportation, and recounting of the ballots. Provides that the
secretary of state may provide security or technical assistance.
Proposed law provides that a parish that has less than 1,000 absentee by mail ballots returned
shall conduct the tabulation and counting on election day in accordance with present law as
well as the preparation and verification of such ballots.
New proposed law provides that in a parish that has 1,000 or more absentee by mail ballots,
the parish board must notify the secretary of state in writing no later than five days prior to
the election that it will conduct the tabulation and counting of absentee by mail and early
voting ballots pursuant to present law or proposed law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 18:1313, 1314(B)(1) and (C)(1)(a), and 1315(B); adds R.S. 18:423(J) and
1313.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and
Governmental Affairs to the reengrossed bill:
1. Clarify the type of elections to which the limitations on compensation of
members of parish boards of election supervisors are applicable.
2. Make technical changes.
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