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 388 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session Harris
Abstract: Provides a longer period of time for a parish to prepare and verify absentee by mail and
early voting ballots before election day
Present law provides that parishes with 1,000 or more absentee by mail ballots returned to the
registrar of voters for a primary or general election 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 absentee by mail and early voting ballots on
election day.
Proposed law allows any parish, with written approval of the secretary of state, to conduct the
preparation and verification of absentee by mail and early voting ballots beginning three days before
the election day. Otherwise retains present law and makes it applicable to all parishes.
Present law (R.S. 18:1313.2) provides relative to elections impaired as the result of a declared
disaster or emergency and allows the preparation and verification process to begin four days before
election day. Provides that present law shall be void and of no effect on Aug. 1, 2021.
Proposed law repeals present law.
(Amends R.S. 18:423(J), 1313.1(A), (B), (C)(1), (E), and (G)(intro. para.), (6), and (7), and 1315(B);
Repeals R.S. 18:1313.2)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill:
1. Regarding the time frame during which a parish may conduct the preparation and
verification of absentee by mail and early voting ballots:
a. Change the maximum period from four days to three days, if the maximum is
approved by the secretary of state.
b. Provide that present law is applicable to all parishes unless the maximum period
is approved.