LA HB641

Replaces the fixed $8,000 annual salary for assistant district attorneys in the 22nd Judicial District (St. Tammany and Washington parishes) with salaries set at the district attorney's discretion from parish-budgeted funds.

Requires parish governing authorities to annually budget sufficient funds for assistant district attorney salaries, which cannot be reduced after being in effect for six months.

Creates a new operating budget for the district attorney's office covering staff salaries, office expenses, travel, federal grant matching, retirement and hospitalization benefits, and other operational costs.

Prohibits reduction of the operating budget or annual budget without the district attorney's consent, except for pro rata reductions affecting all parish departments due to revenue shortfalls.

Repeals existing law (R.S. 16:485-487) that established specific second, third, and fourth assistant district attorney positions with set salaries paid by St. Tammany and Washington parishes.