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 599 Original 2021 Regular Session Hodges
Abstract: Provides relative to elections.
Present law provides that the parish board of election supervisors selected commissioner from the
reports received from the clerk.
Proposed law allows the chairman of each recognized political party to select commissioners to
serve in the parish elections for each precinct. Further allows the chairman of a recognized party to
designate which precinct each party's commissioner nominee will serve. Also requires the parish
board of supervisors to select all commissioners provided to them by the chairman of each
recognized party.
Present law provides that a candidate may designate watchers to serve at every precinct on election
day where the office he seeks is voted on in an election. Further provides for the procedure of
designating such watchers.
Proposed law provides that each recognized political party may also designate watchers to serve at
every polling place on election day where that party is represented on the ballot at that election.
Further provides the procedure of designating such watchers.
Proposed law provides that once the tabulating and counting begins. it shall not cease until all ballots
have been tabulated or counted and vote totals obtained. Further provides that, if due to any
electrical, mechanical, or force of nature tabulation and counting is interrupted the commissioner in
charge, board of election supervisors, or registrar shall immediately secure the premises and report
to the secretary of state and attorney general.
Proposed law provides that no ballot collection box shall be left unattended and outside the view of
the registrar or his duly authorized employees or cameras.
Present law defines 'voting machine" as the enclosure occupied by the voter when voting, as formed
by the machine, its screen and privacy shield, which shall include electronic voting machines.
Proposed law expands the definition to include voting machines, optical scanners, copiers, new
technologies, or any device or apparatus required to secure the vote.
Proposed law creates requirements for voting systems. Further requires the phase out of any voting
systems that do not meet these requirements. Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 18:435, 1308(B), 1351(13) and (14), and 1352(B); Adds R.S. 18:432, 577, and 1366)