RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 303 (HB 401) 2017 Regular Session Gisclair
Existing law provides for the composition of the Veterans' Affairs Commission, to be made
up of nine members. Requires the governor to make appointments from nominations by
certain veterans organizations operating in this state and participating in the Dept. of
Veterans Affairs.
New law requires the governor to make six appointments from the nominees submitted.
New law increases the number of members appointed by the governor who are not required
to be a member of an eligible veterans organization from one to three.
New law requires that appointments to the Veterans' Affairs Commission be made in
accordance with the provisions of existing law (R.S. 42:2.1) by giving due consideration to
the demographics of the state and prohibiting the appointments of any person owing
outstanding fines, fees, or penalties of $250 or more pursuant to the Code of Governmental
Ethics. New law prohibits a right of action pursuant to existing law (R.S. 42:2.1) against the
Veterans' Affairs Commission or against any action of the commission.
New law provides that all members serve at the pleasure of the governor and may be
removed without cause prior to the expiration of the term upon written notice by the
secretary of the La. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
New law also removes obsolete language regarding the terms of the initial appointments.
Effective August 1, 2017.
(Amends R.S. 29:253(A)(1)(b), (2)(a), and (3))