Judge Dismisses Attorney General’s Open Meetings Lawsuit Against Caddo Parish Commission

A state district judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill alleging Open Meetings Law violations by the Caddo Parish Commission and several individual commissioners.

Judge John Davidson, who was specially appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to preside over the case, issued his ruling on Friday, concluding that the Attorney General’s claims were not supported by the evidence presented. The judgment dismisses all allegations against the commission and the seven named commissioners.

Background of the Legal Dispute

The lawsuit stemmed from a complaint filed in June 2025 by two Caddo Parish commissioners who accused their colleagues of violating Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law. Defense attorneys challenged the suit say there were no violations. But the Attorney General’s Office proceeded with legal action against the commission and several members.

READ MORE: How Did Bernie Sanders Resolution Get Approved

Attorneys representing the commissioners said the ruling fully vindicates their clients. In a statement, defense counsel argued the lawsuit should never have been filed and described the case as costly for local taxpayers.

Judge Davidson has granted a hearing to determine whether attorney’s fees and legal costs incurred by the commissioners should be reimbursed.

This legal feud centers on a resolution honoring U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. That resolution was presented to Sanders when he visited Shreveport on Saturday, June 21, 2025 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event was held at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium and drew an audience of close to 2,000 people,

Attorney General Plans to Appeal Ruling

Attorney General Liz Murrill told KEEL News she plans to appeal the ruling, signaling that the legal battle may continue.

Murrill also raised concerns about how the commissioners’ legal defense is being funded. She said she will fight any attempt to use parish tax dollars to cover the cost of defending the Democratic commissioners involved in the case.

“That legal bill could exceed $200,000,” Murrill said, arguing taxpayers should not be responsible for those expenses.

Get our free mobile app

Questions Over Legal Costs and Next Steps

The issue of legal fees is expected to be a focal point in the next phase of the case. If the court ultimately orders reimbursement, the financial impact on Caddo Parish could be significant.

The defendants in the case are Commissioners Stormy Gage-Watts, Victor Thomas, Roy Burrell, Ron Cothran, Kenneth Epperson Sr., Gregory Young, and Steffon Jones, as well as the Caddo Parish Commission itself.