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 261 Reengrossed 2021 Regular Session Stagni
Abstract: Relative to the municipal fire and police civil service board, requires the respective
governing body to conduct a background check on each person under consideration for
appointment to a board.
Present constitution creates a fire and police civil service system applicable to municipalities of over
13,000 in population and parishes and fire protection districts. Provides that the system is subject
to Art. XIV, ยง15.1 of the 1921 constitution made statutory by the 1974 constitution.
Present law creates and provides for two fire and police civil service systems: (1) one applicable to
any municipality which operates paid police and fire departments and which has a population of not
fewer than 13,000 persons; and (2) one applicable to any parish, fire protection district, or
municipality with a population of fewer than 13,000, but not fewer than 7,000 persons.
Proposed law retains present constitution and present law.
Present law, creates a municipal fire and police civil service board in each parish, municipality, and
fire protection district composed of five members appointed by the respective governing body.
Requires that at least two members of the board be appointed who shall be first nominated and
elected by and from the regular employees of the fire and police departments. Provides further with
respect to the qualifications of board members.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally requires the respective governing body to conduct
a background check on any person being considered for appointment to the board. Provides that no
person is eligible for appointment or may serve as a member of the board if his background check
reveals that he has been convicted of a felony or has committed a civil rights violation in the 10 years
immediately preceding his appointment.
(Adds R.S. 33:2476(B)(1)(f) and 2536(B)(1)(d))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill:
1. Remove proposed law that prohibits a person from being appointed to serve on the board if he has been convicted of or terminated from previous employment for certain criminal
or civil offenses in the 10 years prior to appointment and instead prohibits a person from
being appointed to serve on the board if he has been convicted of a felony in the 10 years
prior to appointment.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Prohibit a person who has committed a civil rights violation in the previous 10 years
from serving on a board.