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HB 867

LOCAL OFFL/POLICE CHIEFS: Provides for an appointed chief of police in the town of Fordoche

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy LaCombe

Fordoche may appoint its police chief by the mayor with majority board approval, for a term aligning with the mayor/board, with salary and duties set by the aldermen.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 867

Summary of HB 867 (2026) – Louisiana

Title

Local Offl/Police Chiefs: Provides for an appointed chief of police in the town of Fordoche

Purpose and Intent

HB 867 authorizes the town of Fordoche to select its police chief by appointment rather than election. The bill adds an exception to existing Lawrason Act provisions, establishing that Fordoche’s chief of police will be appointed by the mayor with the majority approval of the board of aldermen. The appointment would be concurrent with the mayor and aldermen’s terms, and the chief would report directly to the mayor. The bill also tasks the board of aldermen, upon the mayor’s recommendation, with setting the chief’s salary and defining the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the office.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Legislative addition: Creates R.S. 33:381(C)(38) to apply specifically to Fordoche.
  • Appointment method: The chief of police for Fordoche shall be appointed by the mayor, with majority approval of the board of aldermen (as opposed to election, or state-wide/municipal election processes for other municipalities).
  • Timing of appointment:
    • Initial appointment would occur at the end of the current term of the elected chief if there is an elected chief in office on the effective date of the act.
    • If the office is vacant or temporarily filled, no appointment delay applies.
  • Term alignment: The chief’s term is concurrent with the mayor’s and aldermen’s terms.
  • Salary and duties: The board of aldermen, upon the mayor’s recommendation, shall:
    • Establish the salary for the office.
    • Establish the duties, qualifications, and responsibilities of the chief of police.
  • Reporting line: The Fordoche chief of police shall report directly to the mayor.

Who Is Affected

  • Fordoche, a town governed under the Lawrason Act framework (mayor–board of aldermen form).
  • The office of Chief of Police for Fordoche, along with the mayor and the board of aldermen.
  • Future governance of the position, including salary and job qualifications, as determined by the Fordoche board of aldermen.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill creates a local exception to existing election/appointment options for police chiefs in small municipalities.
  • Initial appointment timing is tied to the end of the current elected chief’s term, provided there is an elected chief on the date of effect; otherwise, appointment proceeds as applicable.
  • The mayor and board of aldermen must maintain a majority vote by the board for the appointment.
  • The chief’s term runs concurrently with the mayor and aldermen, aligning leadership tenures.

Additional Information

  • The bill is specific to the town of Fordoche; it does not apply to other municipalities.
  • It was approved on the House floor and moved to the Senate as of the latest action history.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law for Fordoche or summarize potential implications for local governance and personnel oversight.

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

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