LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICE
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: SB 261 SLS 24RS 154
Bill Text Version: ENGROSSED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 7, 2024 6:02 PM Author: HODGES
Dept./Agy.: Department of State
Subject: Super Watchers by Political Parties Analyst: Kimberly Fruge
ELECTION CODE EG +$67,150 GF EX See Note Page 1 of 1
Provides for additional poll watchers at polling places for elections. (8/1/24)
Proposed law allows the state central committee of each recognized political party having at least 25% of registered voters
may have one watcher in every precinct as well as super waters in each parish where that party is represented on the ballot
in primary and general elections and the number of super watchers is based on the number of registered voters in each
parish. Proposed law allows the state central committee of each recognized political party having at least 25% of registered
voters may designate early voting watchers and alternative watchers at each early voting location.
EXPENDITURES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $67,150 $0 $0 $0 $0 $67,150
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $67,150 $0 $0 $0 $0 $67,150
REVENUES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
Proposed law will result in a one-time increase of $67,150 SGF for the Department of State to provide privacy screens and
curtains at early voting locations in order to accommodate early voting watchers. The Department of State indicates they
would need privacy screens for 113 ERIN desktops and 51 early voting laptops at an estimated cost of $16,620. In addition,
the department indicates there are 32 early voting sites that do not currently have privacy curtains and related equipment
for the early voting machines. The estimated cost for the privacy curtains and related equipment is approximately $50,530.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental revenues as a result of this measure.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
Patrice Thomas
13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee 6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Deputy Fiscal Officer


Statutes affected:
SB261 Original: 18:435(A)(4)
SB261 Engrossed: 18:435(A)(4)