The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jonathon Wagner.
DIGEST
SB 177 Original 2024 Regular Session Morris
Present constitution provides for a judiciary commission composed of the following nine members:
(1)One court of appeal judge and two district court judges selected by the supreme court.
(2)Two attorneys admitted to the practice of law for at least 10 years and one attorney admitted
to the practice of law for at least three years but not more than 10 years, selected by the
Conference of Court of Appeal Judges or its successor. Provides that they cannot be judges,
active or retired, or public officials, other than notaries public.
(3)Three citizens, who are not lawyers, judges active or retired, or public officials, to be selected
by the La. District Judges Association or its successor.
Proposed constitutional amendment increases membership from nine to 13 members selected as
follows:
(1)Two court of appeal judges and two district court judges selected by the supreme court.
(2)One attorney admitted to the practice of law for at least 10 years and one attorney admitted
to the practice of law for at least three years but not more than 10 years who are selected by
the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges or its successor and cannot be judges, active or
retired, or a public official, other than notaries public.
(3) Two citizens members, not lawyers, judges active or retired, or public officials, selecte
d by
the
Louisia
n a
District
Judges
Associ
ation or
its
success
or.
(4) Three members appointed by the governor who are not lawyers, judges, active or retired, or
public officials. (5)One member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.
(6) One member appointed by the president of the Senate.
Present constitutional amendment allows the supreme court to discipline a sitting judge for cause
after receiving a recommendation from the judiciary commission.
Proposed constitutional amendment adds "malfeasance while in office" to the list of specified actions
for which the supreme court may pursue disciplinary action against a sitting judge.
Proposed constitutional amendment requires the judiciary commission, after receiving a directive
from the supreme court, to investigate a sitting judge prior to the supreme court taking disciplinary
action against a sitting judge for cause.
Proposed constitutional amendment otherwise retains present constitution.
Specifies submission of the amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held on
November 5, 2024.
(Amends Const. Art. V, Sec. 25(A) and (C))