House Bill No. 385, introduced by Representative Bryant, amends R.S. 42:162(A) to ensure that the oath or affirmation of public officials is recorded at no charge to the official. The bill specifies that the oath or affirmation, which can be administered by various authorized individuals such as the governor or a judge, must be certified and deposited with the secretary of state. Additionally, it mandates that the oaths for parish officers be recorded by the clerk of court in the respective parish, also at no cost to the official.

This legislation addresses the existing requirement that clerks of district courts charge a fee for filing and recording documents, effectively eliminating any financial burden on public officials when fulfilling this legal obligation. The proposed changes aim to streamline the process and encourage public service by removing the associated costs of recording oaths and affirmations.

Statutes affected:
HB385 Original: 42:162(A)
HB385 Engrossed: 42:162(A)