Senate Bill No. 397, introduced by Senator Reese, addresses the issue of vacancies in elected office caused by retirement, resignation, or removal. The bill enacts R.S. 18:586(C), which stipulates that an elected official who has retired, resigned, or been removed from office is prohibited from being appointed to or qualifying for election to the same office from which they departed, with certain exceptions. This provision aims to ensure that individuals cannot return to their previous positions immediately after leaving them under these circumstances.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that its provisions do not affect the constitutional authority of the supreme court to appoint sitting or retired judges to any court, explicitly stating that the rules regarding vacancies do not apply to judgeships. This distinction is important as it preserves the judicial appointment process while maintaining restrictions on other elected officials. The effective date for this legislation is set for August 1, 2026.