Louisiana House Bill HB116

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/16
• Refer: 2/19/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/24/16
• Engrossed: 4/4/16
• Refer: 4/5/16
• Report Pass: 4/26/16
• Enrolled: 5/3/16
• Chaptered: 5/10/16
• Passed: 5/10/16

Caption

Requires each constable in Caddo Parish to report information relative to its deputy constable to the sheriff

Impact

The implementation of HB 116 will directly influence the practices of constables in Caddo Parish, as failure to comply with these new reporting requirements could lead to administrative consequences. This move is expected to standardize the approach to deputy appointments and their financial management, fostering greater integrity within local law enforcement agencies. By requiring detailed reports on deputy constables, this bill seeks to eliminate discrepancies and improve the overall governance of law enforcement within the parish.

Summary

House Bill 116 amends existing Louisiana law to establish new reporting obligations for constables in Caddo Parish regarding their deputy constables. The bill mandates that each constable must report specific information, including the deputy's name, compensation, and training certifications, to the sheriff annually. This change aims to enhance accountability and transparency within the constabulary system in Caddo Parish, ensuring that proper oversight is maintained over deputy constables' roles and compensation.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 116 appears to be supportive among legislators who prioritize accountability in law enforcement, as evidenced by the bills' passage with 29 votes in favor and only 7 against. The proponents view this as a necessary step towards modernizing the constabulary practices and ensuring that constables are held responsible for their deputies. However, some dissenting voices likely raised concerns about additional bureaucratic requirements potentially complicating the operations of constables.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 116 may include discussions about the balance between increased oversight and the autonomy of constables. While many see the value in reforming how deputy constables are managed and reported, there could be apprehensions regarding the administrative burden and whether smaller constabulary offices can handle these additional reporting duties effectively. The debate reflects a broader discussion on the importance of transparency versus operational flexibility in local law enforcement.