House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes the enactment of R.S. 24:35, which establishes the composition and boundaries of the senatorial districts for the Louisiana Senate, consisting of thirty-nine members. The bill provides detailed descriptions of precincts for Districts 1 through 39, ensuring that representation aligns with the population distribution as determined by the 2020 federal decennial census. The new district boundaries will take effect for election purposes upon the governor's signature or after the lapse of time for gubernatorial action for the regular state legislative elections in 2027, while for all other purposes, they will be effective at 10:00 a.m. on January 10, 2028.

In addition to establishing new district boundaries, the bill repeals R.S. 24:35.1, which previously governed Senate district boundaries. The new legal language specifies that the precincts referenced are those contained in the "2026 Precinct Shapefiles" available on the Louisiana Legislature's website, and it clarifies that any subdivisions of precincts by parish governing authorities will be included in the general precinct designation. Importantly, the bill ensures that the terms of office for current positions based on existing Senate districts will not be reduced, and future appointments or elections will adhere to the new district descriptions outlined in the proposed law.

Statutes affected:
HB701 Original: