WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 667

BOARDS/COMMISSIONS: Changes the selection process for members of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission from appointed to elected (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Danny McCormick

HB 667 changes the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission from appointed to parishwide, nonpartisan elections with four-year terms and term limits.

Involuntarily deferred in committee.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 667

Summary of HB 667 (Louisiana, 2026 Session)

Purpose

HB 667 seeks to reform the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission by changing its selection method from appointment-based to elected. The bill preserves the nine-member structure and places the elections under the Secretary of State, aligning the process with state election laws. It also introduces four-year terms for elected commissioners, limits to three consecutive terms, and provides transition rules for current members.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Composition and status quo preserved (structure): The Commission will continue to consist of nine members and the provisions regarding roles and compensation (currently "without compensation" for members) remain, with the compensation prohibition applying to elected commissioners as a new framework.

  • Transition from appointment to election:

    • The Commission shifts from being appointed by various local authorities (parishes and city governments) to being elected parishwide by qualified voters in Caddo and Bossier Parishes.
    • Elections will be nonpartisan and parishwide.

  • Election timing and administration:

    • Commissioners will be elected at the gubernatorial primary elections, beginning in 2027 and every four years thereafter.
    • Elected officials will take office on January 1 following the election.
    • The Secretary of State will administer all elections for the Commission, following the Louisiana Election Code, including qualifying procedures and filing fees.

  • Eligibility and residency:

    • Commissioners must be U.S. citizens, residents of Louisiana, and qualified voters of the relevant parish (Caddo or Bossier).

  • Term lengths and limits:

    • Each elected commissioner serves a four-year term.
    • No commissioner may serve more than three consecutive four-year terms.
    • Vacancies are to be filled by a special election conducted under the Louisiana Election Code.

  • Current members:

    • Any commissioners serving on July 31, 2026, would continue in their appointed roles through December 31, 2027.
    • Commissioners elected at the 2027 gubernatorial primary would assume office on January 1, 2028.

  • Diversity considerations:

    • The governing authorities are still asked to endeavor to provide racial diversity among appointees; the bill emphasizes reflecting the racial proportion of the areas represented. (Note: The language reflects transition considerations tied to appointive processes; under the bill, appointments would be replaced by elections.)

Affected Parties

  • Electors in Caddo and Bossier Parishes: Eligible voters will participate in parishwide, nonpartisan elections to select Commission members.
  • Current appointed commissioners: Will transition to office ending December 31, 2027; new elected commissioners begin January 1, 2028.
  • Secretary of State: Responsible for administering the Commission elections, including qualifying procedures and filing fees.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Effective date: August 1, 2026.
  • Transition period: Appointed commissioners serve until December 31, 2027; elections for the new elected body occur in 2027 (gubernatorial primary), with office for elected members starting January 1, 2028.
  • Election cadence: Every four years thereafter, aligned with gubernatorial primary cycles.
  • Legal framework: Modifies R.S. 34:3158 to implement the above changes.

Notes

  • The bill is currently in committee and has a history of being involuntarily deferred. It establishes a significant governance shift from appointed governance to elected representation for the port commission.
  • The bill maintains the nine-seat structure and broad statutory authority while changing selection, terms, and transition mechanics.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.