LA HB502

Expands grounds for removal of voter registrars by the State Board of Election Supervisors to include incompetence, consistent under-performance, abuse of leave policies, violation of substance abuse policies, and receiving "unsuccessful" merit evaluations for two consecutive years

Establishes annual January merit evaluations for registrars, chief deputies, and confidential assistants with ratings of "excellent," "successful," "unsuccessful," or "not assessed," where "excellent" ratings trigger salary step increases

Allows the commissioner of elections to bring removal allegations against registrars, requiring the board to hold a hearing within 30 days; if the commissioner is a board member, a Registrars of Voters Association member serves as substitute

Prohibits registrars facing removal proceedings from terminating deputy registrars, confidential assistants, or other employees until the State Board of Election Supervisors issues a final determination

Requires registrars to appear before parish governing authorities upon request and to perform essential functions even when offices close in extreme circumstances