Senate Bill No. 1403.1, introduced by Senator Pressly, aims to establish new procedures for handling election contests and challenges related to local or municipal offices in Louisiana. The bill mandates that when an objection is raised against a candidate's eligibility, contests arise regarding local elections, or challenges are made to the certification of recall petitions for public officers, the Louisiana Supreme Court must appoint an ad hoc judge from a different judicial district to oversee the case. This ad hoc judge must be either a current or retired judge from a non-adjacent judicial district to ensure impartiality in the proceedings.

The bill specifically outlines the requirements for the appointment of the ad hoc judge, emphasizing the need for a judge from a district that is not adjacent to the one where the action was initiated. This measure is intended to enhance the integrity and fairness of the electoral process by reducing potential biases that could arise from local judges presiding over cases involving local candidates or issues. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without a signature.