HB 242: LAW ENFORCEMENT: Provides with respect to deputy constables in St. Tammany Parish (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note) - Louisiana

HB242 Original → HB242 Act · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill enrolls the final version of HB 242, which authorizes elected constables in St. Tammany Parish to appoint deputy constables. The law establishes that these deputies must meet the same training and qualification standards as regular constables and must reside within the parish, though they do not need to live in the specific ward of the appointing constable. It also clarifies that the constable's office is solely responsible for funding the deputy's compensation and expenses, preventing payment from other local bodies.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on St. Tammany Parish constables, but the enrolled version adds a specific exemption allowing justices of the peace to appoint special deputies under existing rules, which was not explicitly detailed in the original draft.

REQUIREMENT

Deputy constables must now have the same qualifications and training as a constable of a justice of the peace court.

ELIGIBILITY

Deputy constables must be residents of St. Tammany Parish but are exempt from residing in the specific ward where the constable is elected.

FISCAL

The constable is authorized to issue monthly or bi-monthly warrants or checks to cover the deputy's compensation, bond premiums, insurance, and necessary expenses.

EXEMPTIONS

The law explicitly states that these provisions do not limit a justice of the peace's authority to appoint special deputies under R.S. 13:3477.

TECHNICAL

The document format was updated from 'ORIGINAL' to 'ENROLLED' and 'ACT No. 143', indicating the bill has been signed into law.

HB242 Enrolled → HB242 Original · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill adds a new section to the Louisiana Revised Statutes to authorize elected constables in St. Tammany Parish to appoint a deputy constable. It establishes the deputy's qualifications, residency requirements, and compensation rules, ensuring the deputy is paid only by the constable's office and not by other local entities or the state.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of authority for constables in St. Tammany Parish by explicitly allowing them to appoint a deputy constable, whereas the previous text did not contain this specific authorization.

SCOPE

Added a new provision authorizing elected constables in St. Tammany Parish to appoint a deputy constable.

ELIGIBILITY

Established that the deputy must have the same qualifications and training as a constable and must reside in St. Tammany Parish.

FISCAL

Authorized the constable to pay the deputy's compensation, bond premiums, and necessary expenses from the constable's office funds.

REQUIREMENT

Required the deputy's oath of office to be filed with the Attorney General within 72 hours of administration.

ENFORCEMENT

Prohibited the deputy from receiving compensation from any local governing body or political subdivision other than the constable's office.

TECHNICAL

Removed the 'ENROLLED' header and replaced it with 'ORIGINAL' to reflect the bill's status as a draft or original version.

HB242 Engrossed → HB242 Enrolled · 3 edits · May 13, 2026

MINOR

The bill was finalized as Enrolled, removing the preliminary 'Engrossed' header and the Legislative Services digest. The core policy regarding deputy constables in St. Tammany Parish remains unchanged, but the text was reorganized to clarify that deputies must be residents of the parish (rather than the specific ward) and to explicitly confirm that justices of the peace retain authority to appoint special deputies.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains limited to deputy constables in St. Tammany Parish, but the residency requirement was clarified to apply to the parish level rather than the specific ward.

TECHNICAL

Removed the 'Engrossed' header and the Legislative Services digest, which are no longer part of the final enrolled law.

REQUIREMENT

Clarified that deputy constables must be residents of St. Tammany Parish, removing the previous exception allowing them to live outside the ward where the constable is elected.

ENFORCEMENT

Added explicit language confirming that the new deputy constable provisions do not limit a justice of the peace's existing authority to appoint special deputies.

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Provides with respect to deputy constables in St. Tammany Parish (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

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