Senate Bill No. 142, introduced by Senator Myers, amends and reenacts several provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the classified police service in the city of Lafayette. The bill specifically modifies the ranking system for promotions within the Lafayette Police Department, changing the rank designation from "above" lieutenant to "captain." It also establishes a new section, R.S. 33:2494.1, which outlines the process for filling vacancies at the rank of major. Under this new provision, employees holding the rank of sergeant or above will be eligible to take a competitive examination for the rank of major, and those who pass will be placed on an eligibility list for selection by the chief of police.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that appointments 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 the need for retesting. Importantly, if an employee is demoted from the position of major, they will retain their departmental and promotional seniority. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will only apply to new appointments to the rank of major occurring on or after that date, excluding those with permanent status in that position as of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB142 Original: 33:2491(D)(2), 33:2494(C)(2), 33:2498(C)