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Bill to allow extra staff for senators covering many parishes moves forward
Summary
Senators approved an amendment and reported SB 335, which would permit additional offices or staff for senators who represent more than four parishes, after members described burdens on legislative assistants and constituent services in large rural districts.
Senate Bill 335, sponsored by Senator Jackson Andrews, would create a mechanism for additional offices or staff for legislators whose districts include more than four parishes, subject to budgetary control.
Senator Jackson Andrews said some senators represent long, sparsely populated districts that require extensive travel and work across many local governments; he described a two-hour drive between parts of his district and argued that the burden falls largely on legislative assistants. "There is no way if I got on the road at 8 this morning, that I could get to all of my parishes," the sponsor said, explaining the bill seeks to improve constituent services.
Committee members asked about the threshold and potential exclusion of some districts; Senator Miller said the amendment changing the threshold to "more than 4 parishes" might exclude some districts and signaled attention to ensuring fairness. After questions, a motion to report SB 335 with amendments was made and, seeing no objection, the committee reported the bill to the floor.
