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 184 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session McFarland
Abstract: Provides for the abolition of the office of police chief or the appointment of the police
chief in the village of Calvin and authorizes the municipality to contract for law enforcement
services.
Present law provides that the officers of every municipality governed by the provisions of the
Lawrason Act (mayor-board of alderman form of government) shall be a mayor, aldermen, a chief
of police, a tax collector, and a clerk.
Present law provides for at-large election of the mayor and police chief in all municipalities. Further
provides for exceptions with respect to the chief of police in certain municipalities.
Proposed law provides an exception for the office of police chief in the village of Calvin. Provides
that the board of aldermen may, upon recommendation of the mayor, abolish the office of police
chief or determine that the chief shall be appointed rather than elected. Provides that such an action
is not effective until the end of the term of the police chief in office at the time of that action or when
a vacancy occurs in the office.
Present law (R.S. 33:362(C)) provides that any department of such a municipality, other than the
police department in a municipality with an elected chief of police, shall be created, abolished,
merged, or consolidated by the board of aldermen, upon the written recommendation of the mayor.
Proposed law provides that, if the office of police chief and the police department are abolished
pursuant to proposed law and present law, the mayor and board of aldermen may contract with any
law enforcement entity or officer within Winn Parish for police services.
(Adds R.S. 33:381(C)(36))