§ 2-14. Emergency Ordinances.  


Latest version.
  • A.

    To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public safety, the Council may adopt an emergency ordinance at the meeting at which it is introduced, provided that no such ordinance may be used to levy taxes or special assessments; grant or extend a franchise; incur debt, except as provided in the section on "Emergency Appropriations"; adopt or amend an official map, platting or subdivision controls or zoning regulations; or change rates, fees or charges adopted by the City-Parish Government. Each emergency ordinance shall contain a specific statement describing the emergency. After adoption, the ordinance shall be printed and published as prescribed for other approved ordinances.

    B.

    Notwithstanding the provisions of the section on "Submission of Ordinances to the President," any emergency ordinance adopted by the Council shall be presented to the President within six (6) hours after adoption. Within twelve (12) hours after the President's receipt of an emergency ordinance, it shall be returned to the Council with the President's approval, or with the President's veto. If the proposed ordinance is not signed or vetoed by the President within twelve (12) hours after receipt, it shall be considered adopted. If the emergency ordinance has been adopted, it shall become effective immediately. If the emergency ordinance is vetoed, the President shall submit to the Council a written statement of the reasons for the veto. The clerk shall record upon the emergency ordinance the dates and hours of its delivery to and receipt from the President. Should the Council vote, not later than twelve (12) hours after receipt of the vetoed emergency ordinance from the President, to readopt the emergency ordinance by the favorable vote of at least two thirds of its authorized membership, said emergency ordinance shall be considered finally adopted and become law immediately upon readoption, irrespective of the veto by the President. Upon final approval by the President, or the Council in case of a veto by the President, such adopted emergency ordinance shall be published by title in the official journal as soon as practical thereafter.

    C.

    Emergency ordinances shall be effective for no longer than thirty (30) consecutive days after final adoption, except that the Council, by the favorable vote of two-thirds vote of its authorized membership, may extend the life of the emergency ordinance for a period not to exceed an additional thirty (30) consecutive days.

(Reprint of January 2010)