2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE BILL NO. 80
BY SENATOR FIELDS
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
1 AN ACT
2 To enact R.S. 18:1922.1 and Chapter 21 of Title 24 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of
3 1950, to be comprised of R.S. 24:991 and 992, relative to redistricting; to provide for
4 public hearings; to provide for procedure; to provide for public participation; to
5 provide for a redistricting website; to provide for an effective date; and to provide
6 for related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. R.S. 18:1922.1 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
9 §1922.1. Public participation
10 A. Prior to the adoption of any redistricting or reapportionment plan, a
11 local governing body shall hold a minimum of two public hearings. At least one
12 hearing shall be held within thirty days after the publication of any proposed
13 redistricting plan.
14 B. Each member of the public who attends a hearing shall be afforded
15 an opportunity to testify on the record in accordance with the rules of the local
16 governing body.
17 Section 2. Chapter 21 of Title 24 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,
18 comprised of R.S. 24:991 and 992, is hereby enacted to read as follows:
19 CHAPTER 21. LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING TRANSPARENCY
20 §991. Statewide redistricting public hearings
21 A. Following the release of the tabulation of population by the United
22 States Bureau of the Census pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 94-171
23 following each federal decennial census, the legislature shall conduct a series of
24 public hearings at different locations throughout the state to solicit public
25 comment concerning the development of redistricting plans subject to
26 enactment by the legislature.
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 80 ENROLLED
1 B. The legislature shall provide that each public hearing is broadcast live
2 via the internet. If a technical difficulty occurs during a public hearing that
3 impairs the broadcast of the hearing, the hearing shall be temporarily paused
4 to address the issue with the broadcast; however the failure to resolve the issue
5 shall not require the hearing to be terminated and shall not be construed to be
6 a violation of the provisions of this Section.
7 §992. Redistricting website
8 A. The legislature shall provide for, maintain, and update as necessary
9 a redistricting website.
10 B. At a minimum, the redistricting website shall contain the following
11 information:
12 (1) Any documents or material presented or distributed by the
13 legislature at a redistricting public hearing.
14 (2) Any written testimony, materials, or redistricting plans submitted by
15 the public at a redistricting public hearing or in the manner prescribed by the
16 legislature.
17 Section 3. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not
18 signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature
19 by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If
20 vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become
21 effective on the day following such approval.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
APPROVED:
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.