GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 540 2023 Regular Session Miguez
PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Establishes a port and harbor police force for
ports meeting certain requirements
DIGEST
Proposed law provides a port district board for parishes which have a population of 68,000
to 73,000 and 57,000 to 57,400, respectively as determined by the latest federal decennial
census may appoint, fix salaries of, and pay port and harbor police. Additionally, provides
requirements of appointees.
Proposed law requires appointees furnish a bond upon which suit may be brought for injury
or for failure of appointee to faithfully perform his duties.
Proposed law enables port and harbor police who have completed a course certified by the
Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training to perform law enforcement duties
commensurate with powers of sheriffs.
Proposed law provides for arrestees of the port and harbor police to be delivered to the
sheriff of the parish in which it occurs, and provides that such authority not deprive law
enforcement from a parish with a population of 68,000 to 73,000 or 57,000 to 57,400
according to the latest federal decennial census from performing their duties.
Proposed law allows for the commission to make rules and regulations relative to the port
and harbor police and provides for modifications to the rules and regulations.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 34:1603.2)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation,
Highways and Public Works to the original bill:
1. Change the parishes affected to both instead of either.
2. Change the parish in which law enforcement cannot be deprived of authority to
arrest or serve warrants to a parish with a population of 68,000 to 73,000 or
57,000 to 57,400.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Add "multiple" to the parishes affected.
Page 1 of 2
Prepared by Archana Cadge. 2. Require certification by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways,
and Public Works to the engrossed bill
1. Clarifies multiple parishes within a certain population as determined by the latest
federal decennial census.
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Prepared by Archana Cadge.