RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 316 (HB 163) 2023 Regular Session Selders
Existing law creates and provides for two fire and police civil service systems: (1) one
applicable to any municipality which operates paid police and fire departments and which
has a population of not fewer than 13,000 persons (large municipalities); and (2) one
applicable to any parish, fire protection district, or municipality with a population of fewer
than 13,000, but not fewer than 7,000 persons (small municipalities).
Existing law relative to both systems, provides for a fire and police civil service board in
each local jurisdiction. Provides that the board is composed of five members who serve
without compensation. Further provides that the board shall have a chairman, vice-chairman,
and a secretary.
Existing law relative to the system applicable to large municipalities requires that the office
of board secretary be filled in one of the following ways:
(1) By electing a board member.
(2) By appointing the clerk or secretary-treasurer of the municipality.
(3) By employing on a part-time basis any other person at a salary not to exceed $1,250
per month.
New law provides an exception for the city of Baton Rouge; authorizes the municipal fire
and police civil service board to fill the office of secretary by employing unclassified
personnel whom the board deems qualified. Provides that the secretary shall receive
compensation and benefits comparable to that of other full-time personnel employed in
similar positions or performing similar job functions. Provides that the secretary is solely
accountable to the board and serves at the pleasure of the board.
Effective August 1, 2023.
(Adds R.S. 33:2476.7)