Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has signed two bills into law that reduce the number of judges in New Orleans.
Those bills include Senate Bill 217, now Act 748, which removes several judges from juvenile, municipal and criminal courts.
The measure initially proposed a “first in, last out” formula, meaning the last three judges elected would be the first removed.
However, a last-minute change targeted Judge Rhonda Goode Douglas’ seat, despite her six years of service.
“In my opinion, this is damaging to my reputation, because I can’t answer to the public why they chose a less tenured judge and then put me in the bill,” Douglas said.
Douglas plans to run against Leon Roche for his judge position in Section 1.
READ MORE:After governor signs judge reduction bill, one New Orleans judge announces run for new section
