How Laws Are Made

A step-by-step process graphic shows icons and labels for Ideation, Drafting, Proposal, Hearing, Voting, and Approval, each represented by corresponding symbols with arrows pointing right through each step.
A blue lightbulb icon with green lines radiating outward, symbolizing the concept of a bright idea or innovation.

An idea for a new ordinance may originate from several different sources:

– A Councilman via his own initiative or citizen concern
– Parish Administration
– Response to State or Federal Actions

A blue outline of a laptop with a large green pencil icon centered on its screen, representing writing or editing on a computer.

The ordinance is drafted by legal counsel, the Council Clerk, or a department head.

A blue stick figure in a suit points to a presentation board showing a green line graph with three data points.

The proposed ordinance is introduced by the Council at a regular meeting.

Two overlapping speech bubbles, one blue with three white dots, and one green, representing a conversation or messaging.

A public hearing is held at the following regularly scheduled meeting of the Council allowing the public to comment on the proposed legislation.

A blue square with a thick border containing a large green check mark inside, indicating approval, completion, or correctness.

After public hearing and discussions, the Council votes on the proposed ordinance.

Icon of a blue document with horizontal lines, featuring a green pen on the right side, drawing a green squiggly signature at the bottom of the page.

The adopted ordinance is sent to the Parish Presidents office for signature within three calendar days after adoption, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Within ten calendar days after the president’s receipt of an ordinance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and parish holidays, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the president’s approval, or with the president’s veto.

** To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public safety, the council may adopt an emergency ordinance at the same meeting that it is introduced. **