Committee approves emergency ordinance on use of parish-owned facilities

The Bossier Parish Capital Improvements/Building and Grounds Committee voted unanimously July 15 to approve and recommend adoption of an emergency ordinance that addresses the use of parish-owned facilities by "individuals who identify differently," the committee record shows. Dr. Ken Ward, parish administrator, presented the draft and said the ordinance follows state statute and includes both civil remedies and criminal penalties.

Dr. Ward summarized the penalties in the draft: "the first offense results in a fine of $250.00; the second offense and any subsequent offenses result in a fine not to exceed $500.00," and added that the second offense "may result in a fine not exceeding $500.00 and/or imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days and the third and subsequent offenses may result in a fine not exceeding $500.00 and imprisonment for not more than six (6) months." He also told the committee the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office reviewed and approved the draft and advised it provides a mechanism for enforcement at parish-owned facilities.

Committee member Chris Marsiglia moved to approve the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 78 of the Bossier Parish Code of Ordinances; Pam Glorioso seconded and the Co-Chairman called for a vote. The motion "carried unanimously," and the committee recommended that the Bossier Parish Police Jury adopt the ordinance at a future meeting. The committee record does not include a roll-call vote by name; the unanimous outcome was recorded in the minutes and is based on the committee action taken at the meeting.