Louisiana AG Appeals Caddo Parish Open Meeting Ruling

Attorney General Liz Murrill challenges district court decision over proclamation welcoming Senator Bernie Sanders

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:37pm

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A dynamic, fractured painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and gold, representing the complex political tensions surrounding government transparency and public participation.An abstract painting captures the heated political debate over government transparency and public access to decision-making processes in Louisiana.Shreveport Today

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has appealed a district court ruling regarding the Caddo Parish Commission's alleged open meeting law violation. The issue stemmed from the commission presenting and voting on a proclamation welcoming U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport during his 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour. Murrill believes the district court ruling was incorrect and that the open meetings law is an important part of the state's constitution and statutes, allowing the public to participate in decision-making by elected officials.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over government transparency and public access to decision-making processes. The open meetings law is intended to ensure citizens can observe and engage with their elected representatives, so the attorney general's appeal aims to uphold these principles at the local level.

The details

The Caddo Parish Commission was accused of violating the state's open meetings law when it presented and voted on a proclamation welcoming Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport. A district court ruled against the commission, but Attorney General Liz Murrill has now appealed that decision, arguing the court was wrong and that the open meetings law is a critical part of Louisiana's constitution and statutes.

  • The district court ruling was issued in early April 2026.
  • A hearing related to attorney's costs and fees is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Liz Murrill

The Attorney General of Louisiana who has appealed the district court ruling regarding the Caddo Parish Commission's alleged open meeting law violation.

Caddo Parish Commission

The local government body in Caddo Parish, Louisiana that was accused of violating the state's open meetings law when it presented and voted on a proclamation welcoming Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport.

Bernie Sanders

The U.S. Senator who was the subject of the proclamation that led to the alleged open meetings law violation by the Caddo Parish Commission.

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What they’re saying

“We think the district court got that ruling wrong. And we'll continue to take that case up on appeals to straighten things out. Because the open meetings is a very important part of our Constitution and our statutes, and it's important that the people are able to see and participate in the decision making by their elected officials.”

— Liz Murrill, Attorney General of Louisiana

What’s next

The appeal by the Louisiana Attorney General will be heard in the coming months, with a focus on upholding the principles of open government and public access to decision-making processes.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing tension between government transparency and efficiency, as elected officials navigate balancing public participation with the need to make timely decisions. The attorney general's appeal aims to reinforce the importance of the open meetings law in maintaining trust and accountability in Louisiana's local governments.