Senate Bill No. by Senator Pressly enacts a new provision, R.S. 18:1403.1, which establishes requirements for the appointment of an ad hoc judge in election-related contests and challenges. Specifically, the bill mandates that when there is an objection to the candidacy of an individual for local or municipal office, a contest regarding a local or municipal election, or a challenge to the certification of a recall petition for a public officer in a local or municipal capacity, the Louisiana Supreme Court must appoint an ad hoc judge from a different judicial district. This appointed judge must be from a district that is not adjacent to the one where the action was initiated, ensuring impartiality in the proceedings.

The bill aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that election contests are presided over by judges who are not from the same judicial district as the contested election. This measure is intended to reduce potential biases and conflicts of interest that may arise in local election disputes. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or, if not signed, after the designated period for bills to become law without signature, as outlined in the Louisiana Constitution.