The bill amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes related to the classified police service in the city of Lafayette, specifically addressing the ranks of lieutenant and captain. Key changes include the adjustment of promotional testing criteria, where the rank of "above" lieutenant is replaced with "captain." Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, R.S. 33:2494.1, which outlines the process for filling a vacant position at the rank of major within the Lafayette Police Department. This includes eligibility criteria for sergeants and above to take a competitive examination, the establishment of an eligibility list, and the chief of police's authority to appoint from this list.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the appointment to the position of major will be for a term of one year, subject to annual review by the chief of police, who may reconfirm or demote the employee without requiring retesting. It also ensures that employees do not lose their accumulated seniority if demoted from the major position. The provisions of this section will apply only to employees who have not completed their probationary period or are filling a vacancy after July 1, 2025, while exempting those with permanent status at that rank as of the same date. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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)