House Bill No. by Representative McCormick proposes significant changes to the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission by transitioning its membership from an appointed to an elected body. The bill amends R.S. 34:3158 to establish that the nine commissioners will be elected through nonpartisan elections conducted on a parishwide basis, starting with the gubernatorial primary election in 2027 and every four years thereafter. The bill also outlines that commissioners will serve four-year terms, with the stipulation that no commissioner may serve more than three consecutive terms. Current appointed commissioners will continue in their roles until December 31, 2027, with newly elected commissioners assuming office on January 1, 2028.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the administration of elections will fall under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state, adhering to the Louisiana Election Code for all qualifying procedures and filing fees. It specifies that commissioners must be U.S. citizens, qualified voters of Caddo or Bossier Parish, and residents of Louisiana. The bill also establishes that any vacancies on the commission will be filled through special elections. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB667 Original: