This bill amends various sections of Louisiana law regarding the classified police service in the city of Lafayette, specifically focusing on the qualifications, selection, and appointment processes for police positions. Key changes include the replacement of the rank of "lieutenant or above" with "captain" in several instances, which affects how promotional lists are established and how vacancies are filled. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, R.S. 33:2494.1, which outlines the process for filling the rank of major in the Lafayette Police Department. This includes eligibility criteria for sergeants and above to take a competitive examination, the creation of an eligibility list, and the chief of police's authority to appoint from this list.

The bill also stipulates that the appointment to the position of major will be for a one-year term, subject to annual review by the chief of police, who can either reconfirm the employee or demote them without the need for retesting. Importantly, employees demoted from the position of major will retain their departmental and promotional seniority. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, unless vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, in which case it will become effective the day following such approval or on July 1, 2025, whichever is later.

Statutes affected:
SB142 Original: 33:2491(D)(2), 33:2494(C)(2), 33:2498(C)
SB142 Engrossed: 33:2491(D)(2), 33:2494(C)(2), 33:2498(C)
SB142 Reengrossed: 33:2491(D)(2), 33:2494(C)(2), 33:2498(C)
SB142 Enrolled: 33:2491(D)(2), 33:2494(C)(2), 33:2498(C)
SB142 Act : 33:2491(D)(2), 33:2494(C)(2), 33:2498(C)