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 777 Original 2022 Regular Session Glover
Abstract: Relative to the municipal fire and police civil service board in certain municipalities,
provides for the salary and benefits of the board secretary.
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.
Present law, relative to both systems, provides that a municipal fire and police civil service board
is created in each municipality, parish, and fire protection district. Provides that the board shall be
composed of five members who shall serve without compensation. Further provides that the board
shall have a chairman, a vice chairman, and a secretary.
Present law, relative to the system applicable to municipalities with a population of not fewer than
13,000, requires that the board fill the office of secretary in one of the following ways:
(1)By electing one of its members thereto.
(2)By appointing the city clerk or secretary-treasurer of the municipality to fill such office ex
officio.
(3)By employing on a part-time basis any other person and paying a salary not to exceed $1,250
per month, which salary must be approved by the municipal governing authority.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides an exception for municipalities with a population in excess of 150,000 but not
more than 210,000 by authorizing them to fill the secretary position by employing any person on a
full-time basis. Proposed law instead provides that the board, not the respective municipality, may
fill the secretary position with any person whom the board deems qualified.
Present law authorizes municipalities with a population of 150,000-210,000 to establish a rate of salary and benefits that is equivalent to like administrative personnel of the respective municipality.
Proposed law instead requires that the secretary for the fire and police civil service board receive
compensation and benefits within a salary range that is comparable to the salary range established
for classified personnel employed in similar administrative positions by the respective municipality.
Provides that the secretary serves at the pleasure of the board and is solely accountable to the board.
(Amends R.S. 33:2476.6)