RDCSB177 3351 4052
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)]
SB 177 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Morris
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 or on recommendation by the judiciary commission, to
investigate a sitting judge prior to the supreme court taking disciplinary action against a
sitting judge for cause.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides that the supreme court may, pending an
investigation by the judiciary commission, temporarily suspend with or without salary, a
judge for willful misconduct relating to his official duty, willful and persistent failure to
perform his duty, conduct in violation of the code of judicial conduct, prejudicial to the
administration of justice that bring the judicial office into disrepute, malfeasance while in
office, or conduct while in office which would constitute a felony, or conviction of a felony.
Proposed constitutional amendment otherwise retains present constitution.
Specifies submission of the amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held on
Nov. 5, 2024.
(Amends Const. Art. V, Sec. 25(C))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the
original bill
1. Removes the proposed changes to the composition of the judiciary
commission.
2. Adds that an investigation by the judiciary commission may be instituted by
either a majority of the supreme court or by recommendation by the judiciary
commission.
3. Changes ballot language to include "or on recommendation by the judiciary
commission".
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Adds that the supreme court may temporarily suspend a judge with or
without salary for certain misconduct.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the
reengrossed bill:
1. Make technical changes.
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