The Orleans Parish criminal clerk of court-elect held a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
Calvin Duncan was elected in October to replace Darren Lombard in the position and has since received his commission papers and can be sworn in at any time in the next 30 days.
Duncan’s swearing-in comes as an effort is underway in the Legislature to remove his position entirely.
The Orleans Parish criminal clerk of court office is at risk of elimination after the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 256 to the full House.
The bill would eliminate Duncan’s position, leaving only the clerk of civil court in place to manage both civil and criminal court. Every other parish in the state has one clerk. Orleans Parish is the only parish to have two court clerks.
The author of the legislation said the measure would align Orleans Parish with the rest of the state and save money for both the state and the city.
However, opponents of the bill believe it unfairly targets Duncan and goes against the will of New Orleans voters.
If the bill passes the House and is signed into law by the governor, Duncan may never take office.
Gov. Jeff Landry has voiced that he will not only support the bill but will sign it as soon as it hits his desk.
Duncan’s swearing-in on Tuesday will be ceremonial, and Lombard will remain clerk of criminal court until May 4.
Lombard issued the following statement supporting Duncan and the position:
“I fully support the actions of today, where my rightful successor was sworn to what should be a peaceful transfer of power. SB 256 is an affront to the electorate, and the very wishes of our voters.”
READ MORE:Calvin Duncan takes oath of office today. If he ever takes over remains to be seen. Here’s why
