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2022 Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. 341
BY SENATOR BARROW
STATE DEPARTMENTS. Creates the Department of Housing, consolidates the
Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Quality. (gov sig)
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 36:231(C)(1) and 239, to enact R.S. 36:240 and 241 and Chapter
3 8 of Title 36 of the Louisiana Revised Statues of 1950, comprised of R.S. 36:361
4 through 368, and to repeal R.S. 36:4(A)(7), Chapter 4 of Title 36 of the Louisiana
5 Revised Statutes of 1950, comprised of R.S. 36:151 through 157, and R.S. 36:351
6 through 359, relative to the creation and necessary consolidation of departments of
7 the executive branch; to provide for the creation of the Department of Housing; to
8 provide for the powers and duties of the Department of Housing; to provide for the
9 administration of the Department of Housing; to abolish the former Department of
10 Natural Resources and to transfer its functions to the new Department of
11 Environmental Quality, office of natural resources; to provide for the powers and
12 duties of the Department of Environmental Quality; to provide for the administration
13 of the Department of Environmental Quality; to provide for an effective date and for
14 implementation; to provide for legislative oversight of the new department and
15 matters related thereto; to abolish the Department of Elderly Affairs; and to provide
16 for related matters.
17 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
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1 Section 1. R.S. 36:231(C)(1) and 239 are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S.
2 36:240 and 241 and Chapter 8 of Title 36 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,
3 comprised of R.S. 36:361 through 368 are hereby enacted to read as follows:
4 §231. Department of Environmental Quality; creation; domicile; composition;
5 purposes and functions
6 * * *
7 C.(1) The Department of Environmental Quality shall be composed of the
8 executive office of the secretary, the office of management and finance, the office
9 of environmental assessment, the office of environmental compliance, the office of
10 natural resources, the office of conservation, the office of mineral resources, the
11 office of coastal management, the Oilfield Site Restoration Commission, and the
12 office of environmental services.
13 * * *
14 §239. Transfer of agencies and functions to Department of Environmental Quality
15 A. The Department of Natural Resources and its offices (R.S. 36:351
16 through 359) are placed within the Department of Environmental Quality and
17 shall exercise and perform their powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities
18 in the manner provided for agencies transferred in accordance with R.S. 36:914.
19 * * *
20 I. The Oyster Lease Damage Evaluation Board (R.S. 56:700.10 et seq.)
21 is placed within the Department of Environmental Quality and shall perform
22 and exercise its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities as provided by
23 law.
24 J. The advisory committee for the regulation and control of water well
25 drillers (R.S. 38:3098 et seq.) is placed within the Department of Environmental
26 Quality and shall perform and exercise its powers, duties, functions, and
27 responsibilities as provided by law.
28 K. The State Department of Conservation (Article V, Section 18 and
29 Article VI, Section 1(c) of 1921 Louisiana Constitution made statutory by
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1 Article XIV, Section 16(A)(2) and (3) of 1974 Louisiana Constitution; Part I of
2 Chapter 1 of Subtitle I of Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and
3 other provisions of Title 30 that directly apply to the department) is transferred
4 to and hereafter shall be within the Department of Environmental Quality as
5 provided in R.S. 36:806.
6 L. The State Mineral and Energy Board (R.S. 30:121 et seq.) is
7 transferred to and hereafter shall be within the Department of Environmental
8 Quality as provided in R.S. 36:807.
9 M. The Oilfield Site Restoration Commission (R.S. 30:80 et seq.) is
10 placed within the Department of Environmental Quality, and shall perform its
11 powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities in the manner provided for
12 agencies and commissions transferred as provided in Part III of Chapter 22 of
13 this Title.
14 N. The Water Resources Commission (R.S. 38:3097.1 et seq.) shall be
15 placed within the office of conservation, Department of Environmental Quality,
16 and shall exercise its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities as provided
17 in R.S. 36:802.18.
18 O. The Water Management Advisory Task Force (R.S. 38:3097.7) shall
19 be placed within the office of conservation, Department of Environmental
20 Quality, and shall perform its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities in
21 the manner provided by law.
22 §240. The Department of Environmental Quality, office of natural resources
23 A. The Department of Environmental Quality, office of natural resources
24 shall be responsible for the conservation, management, and development of
25 water, minerals, and other such natural resources of the state, including coastal
26 management, except timber and fish and wildlife and their habitats.
27 B. The office of coastal management shall perform the functions of the
28 state relative to the coastal zone management program.
29 C. The office of conservation, in accordance with law, shall exercise the
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1 functions of the state with respect to the regulation, conservation, and use of the
2 natural resources of the state which are not specifically within the jurisdiction
3 of other state departments or agencies. Its functions shall include but not be
4 limited to the conservation of the oil and gas resources of the state and matters
5 pertaining thereto; the promotion and encouragement of exploration,
6 production, and refining efforts for oil, intrastate gas, and other hydrocarbons;
7 the control and allocation of energy supplies and distribution; the lease or
8 construction and operation of intrastate pipeline systems; the implementation
9 and enforcement of any emergency gas shortage allocation plan and the setting
10 of priorities; regulation of the minimum sale price of intrastate natural gas; and
11 management of ground water resources all in accordance with applicable laws.
12 D.(1) The office of mineral resources shall perform the functions of the
13 state relating to the lease of lands and water bottoms of the state for the
14 development and production of minerals, oil, and gas, and supervision of such
15 mineral leases, in accordance with the law, including but not restricted to the
16 exercise of the option of the state to receive in kind the portion due to the state
17 as royalty of any minerals produced and severed from leased premises, and
18 shall receive, administer, and control royalties due in kind to the state in
19 accordance with state law.
20 (2) The office shall work in cooperation with Louisiana State University
21 and Agricultural and Mechanical College to maintain current surface and
22 subsurface geological surveys of the state, or otherwise at the discretion of the
23 assistant secretary of the office of mineral resources or his designee; conduct
24 geological mapping; prepare geological hazards assessments and resource
25 inventories; and conduct process investigations and related studies.
26 §241. Powers and duties of the office of natural resources
27 A. In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise provided
28 by law, the assistant secretary of the office of natural resources shall:
29 (1) Study existing energy policies of the state and formulate plans and
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1 advise the governor and the legislature with respect to short- and long-term
2 energy policies of the state.
3 (2) Undertake, or in necessary cases, designate one of the offices within
4 the department or its assistant secretary to prepare all necessary studies
5 regarding alternate fuel sources for the state of Louisiana.
6 (3) Assist the institutions of higher learning in this state desiring to
7 establish programs dealing with the utilization of the natural resources of this
8 state.
9 (4) Conduct or cause to be conducted public meetings for the purpose of
10 receiving suggestions from the public regarding the energy policy of the state.
11 (5) Act as the sole agent of the state or, in necessary cases, designate one
12 of the offices within the department or its assistant secretary to cooperate with
13 the federal government and with other state and local agencies in matters of
14 mutual concern and in the administration of federal funds granted to the state
15 or directly to the department or an office thereof to aid in the furtherance of
16 any function of the department and its offices. For this purpose he may take
17 such actions, in accordance with applicable state law, necessary to meet such
18 federal standards as are established for the administration and use of such
19 federal funds, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Title or by the
20 constitution and laws of this state.
21 (6) Contract, if the secretary so desires, with private or public research
22 organizations for the purchase, out of funds available to the office of natural
23 resources, of services in scientific, economic, and technological research,
24 including but not limited to surveys, studies, and experiments with a view
25 toward protecting and replenishing the natural resources of the state under the
26 jurisdiction of the office of natural resources, toward preventing the waste,
27 wasteful use, and wasteful utilization thereof, except as defined in R.S. 30:3,
28 toward preventing the use of said natural resources in such a manner and in
29 such quantities as will threaten with premature exhaustion, extinction, and
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1 destruction of the supply of these resources in the state, and toward the energy
2 policy of this state, and to prepare and implement plans and programs in
3 relation thereto.
4 (7) Prepare an analysis of all potential gas prospects in the state and
5 develop a plan for state owned lands which will promote and encourage the
6 exploration and production of gas from such prospects for use in Louisiana.
7 (8) Set priorities for coastal energy impact program funds as provided
8 in R.S. 49:213.10(D).
9 (9) Review all proposals for the lease or use of state property and
10 resources within the jurisdiction of the department to determine if they meet
11 current policies regarding the development or use of such property and
12 resources, periodically review the activities of lessees and users of such property
13 and resources and ascertain if they likewise conform to such current policies,
14 and formulate programs, and take the necessary action through the appropriate
15 office of the department to implement his findings with respect thereto.
16 (10) Deposit or cause to be deposited in the state treasury receipts from
17 royalties, rentals, and bonuses derived from state lands under mineral leases or
18 any other contract.
19 (11) Represent the state in all matters involving or affecting the interest
20 of the state and its residents, relative to energy and natural resources within the
21 jurisdiction of the office of natural resources before all federal agencies, offices,
22 and officials, and congressional committees, and in all judicial actions arising
23 out of the proceedings of such agencies, offices, and committees or in relation
24 thereto. Those employed or contracted with as provided by this Section shall be
25 entitled to represent the state and the secretary and to appear in the courts and
26 before agencies of this state or the agencies, officials, and courts of the United
27 States and of other states, to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.
28 (12) Obtain from the federal government and its agencies and other state
29 agencies and their offices any information and data collected by such entities
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1 relating to energy, natural resources, or the environment, upon mutually
2 agreeable terms and conditions or as required by law; however, information
3 and data subject to nondisclosure under R.S. 44:4 shall maintain such status
4 while in the custody of the secretary.
5 (13) Establish in his office a capacity for policy analysis, development of
6 information and statistics, and generation of economic information relating to
7 the natural resources and environmental affairs of the state.
8 B. The assistant secretary or his designee shall perform and exercise the
9 following powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities relative to land, water,
10 and research, all in accordance with law:
11 (1) Plan and execute an energy research and development program,
12 including but not limited to research necessary to assist the secretary in the
13 formulation of energy plans and policy and the administration and
14 implementation of energy conservation programs, and other energy studies, all
15 in accordance with law. Specifically excluded from these functions are the
16 functions of the secretary as provided in Paragraph (A)(5) of this Section. In
17 implementing these functions, the secretary or his designee may conduct a
18 program to disseminate information relating to energy for the citizens of
19 Louisiana whereby they can be advised of methods to conserve energy.
20 (2) Administer and implement laws relating to the foregoing, including
21 without limitation the laws relative to research and development of solar energy
22 sources, building energy conservation, including the regulation of training,
23 certification, and quality control of home energy raters throughout the state,
24 and energy impacted area assistance; the laws relative to coastal energy impact
25 assistance; the laws relative to power plants and industrial fuel use; the laws
26 relative to the Underwater Obstruction Removal Program and the Underwater
27 Obstruction Removal Dedicated Fund Account; and the laws relative to the
28 Fishermen's Gear Compensation Fund.
29 * * *
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1 CHAPTER 8. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HOUSING
2 §361. Department of Housing; creation, domicile; composition; purposes and
3 functions
4 A. The Department of Housing is created and shall be a body corporate
5 with the power to sue and be sued. The domicile of the department shall be in
6 Baton Rouge.
7 B. The Department of Housing, through its offices and officers, shall
8 provide for the administration and enforcement of housing laws of this state,
9 coordinate housing programs administered by the state or its agencies and
10 instrumentalities, and achieve an adequate supply of affordable and accessible
11 housing for all residents of the state.
12 C.(1) The Department of Housing shall be composed of the executive
13 office of the secretary, the office of management and finance, the office of
14 housing assessment, the office of housing compliance, the office of housing
15 management, and such other offices as shall be created by law.
16 (2) Whenever the secretary determines that the administration of the
17 functions of the department may be more efficiently performed by eliminating,
18 merging, or consolidating existing offices or establishing new offices, he shall
19 present a plan therefor to the legislature for its approval by statute.
20 §362. Officers of the department; compensation for one office only
21 A. The officers of the department shall be the secretary, the
22 undersecretary, the deputy secretary if a deputy secretary is appointed, and
23 assistant secretaries, each of whom shall be selected and shall perform functions
24 as provided in this Title.
25 B. No person serving as a secretary, deputy secretary, undersecretary,
26 or assistant secretary shall receive any additional salary from the state other
27 than that salary which he receives by virtue of serving in any one of such offices.
28 Any statewide elected official appointed to serve as a secretary, deputy
29 secretary, undersecretary, or assistant secretary shall not receive any additional
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1 salary from the state other than that salary which he receives as a statewide
2 elected official.
3 C. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, subject to
4 approval of the governor, any person, including any statewide elected official,
5 serving or appointed to serve as a secretary, undersecretary, deputy secretary,
6 or assistant secretary may receive additional compensation for part-time
7 services rendered as an instructor in postsecondary educational institutions, or
8 as a member of the National Guard.
9 §363. Secretary of housing
10 There shall be a secretary of housing, who shall be appointed by the
11 governor with consent of the Senate and who shall serve at the pleasure of the
12 governor at a salary fixed by the governor, which salary shall not exceed the
13 amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session. The
14 secretary shall serve as the executive head and chief administrative officer of the
15 Department of Housing and shall have the responsibility for the policies of the
16 department except as otherwise provided by this Title, and for the
17 administration, control, and operation of the functions, programs, and affairs
18 of the department; provided that the secretary shall perform his functions
19 under the general control and supervision of the governor.
20 §364. Powers and duties of secretary of housing
21 A. In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the
22 secretary by law, he shall:
23 (1) Represent the public interest in the administration of this Chapter
24 and shall be responsible to the governor, the legislature, and the public therefor.
25 (2) Determine the policies of the department except as otherwise
26 provided by this Title.
27 (3) Make, alter, amend, and promulgate rules and regulations necessary
28 for the administration of the functions of the department, except as otherwise
29 provided by this Title.
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1 (4) Organize, plan, supervise, direct, administer, execute, and be
2 responsible for the functions and programs vested in the department, in the
3 manner and to the extent provided by this Title.
4 (5) Advise the governor on problems concerning the administration of
5 the department.
6 (6) Study existing housing policies of the state and formulate plans and
7 advise the governor and the legislature with respect to short- and long-term
8 housing policies of the state.
9 (7) Undertake, or in necessary cases, designate one of the offices within
10 the department or its assistant secretary to prepare all necessary studies
11 regarding alternative housing sources for the state of Louisiana.
12 (8) Assist the institutions of higher learning in this state desiring to
13 establish programs dealing with the utilization of the housing resources of this
14 state.
15 (9) Conduct or cause to be conducted public meetings for the purpose of
16 receiving suggestions from the public regarding the housing policy of the state.
17 (10) Act as the sole agent of the state or, in necessary cases, designate one
18 of the offices within the department or its assistant secretary to cooperate with
19 the federal government and with other state and local agencies in matters of
20 mutual concern and in the administration of federal funds granted to the state
21 or directly to the department or an office thereof to aid in the furtherance of
22 any function of the department and its offices. For this purpose he may take
23 such actions, in accordance with applicable state law, necessary to meet such
24 federal standards as are established for the administration and use of such
25 federal funds, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Title or by the
26 constitution and laws of this state.
27 (11) Make reports and recommendations on his own initiative or upon
28 request by the governor, the legislature, or any committee or member thereof.
29 (12) Provide for the ongoing merger and consolidation of the agencies
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1 and functions transferred to his department and submit a report thereon to the
2 governor and the legislature, which report shall accompany the budget request
3 which he submits under provisions of R.S. 39:33. Such report shall include a
4 statement of the goals of the department and of the programs thereof and shall
5 summarize the accomplishments of the department in meeting such goals and
6 implementing such programs. The report shall also contain a specific statement
7 of the reorganization and consolidation plan for the department for the next
8 year and shall include a report on the implementation of such reorganization
9 and consolidation plan for the previous year. The report concerning
10 reorganization shall specifically detail the extent to which the department has
11 achieved goals stated the previous year with respect to merger and consolidation
12 of functions, abolition of agencies, consolidation of offices, elimination of job
13 positions, and efficiency and economy in delivery of services. The report shall
14 contain any recommendations with respect to organization which may require
15 legislative action under the provisions of this Title. A copy of the report and
16 recommended legislation shall also be submitted by the secretary to the
17 presiding officer of each house of the legislature. The presiding officer shall
18 refer the report to the appropriate committee having jurisdiction of the subject
19 matter as provided in the rules of the respective house.
20 (13) Contract, if the secretary so desires, or, if the secretary deems
21 necessary, designate one of the offices within the department or its assistant
22 secretary, under the secretary's supervision, to do so, with private or public
23 research organizations for the purchase, out of funds available to the
24 Department of Housing, of services in scientific, economic, and technological
25 research, including but not limited to surveys, studies, and experiments with a
26 view toward protecting the housing resources of the state under the jurisdiction
27 of the Department of Housing, toward preventing the waste, wasteful use, and
28 wasteful utilization thereof, toward preventing the use of housing resources in
29 such a manner as will threaten the exhaustion of the supply of these resources
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1 in the state, and toward the housing policy of this state, and to prepare and
2 implement plans and programs in relation thereto.
3 (14)(a) On an annual basis, provide all of the following information to
4 the legislature no later than fifteen days prior to the convening of each regular
5 session:
6 (i) A full organizational chart for the department which is current as of
7 the date of submission to the legislature and which shows each staff position,
8 whether filled or vacant, that comprises the department.
9 (ii) The current salary of the person occupying each filled position shown
10 on the organizational chart.
11 (b) The secretary may submit the annual report required by this
12 Paragraph in electronic format and is further authorized, but is not required,
13 to submit the report at the time of submission of a report pursuant to
14 Paragraph (11) of this Subsection.
15 B. The secretary shall have authority to:
16 (1)(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided:
17 (i) Employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as are
18 necessary for the efficient administration of the executive office of the secretary
19 and the performance of its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities and
20 such other personnel, who are not assigned to an office, as may be necessary for
21 the efficient administration of the department and for the performance of the
22 responsibilities, powers, duties, and functions of agencies transferred to it.
23 (ii) Employ, assign, and remove all personnel employed for the
24 department on a contractual basis.
25 (iii) Transfer the personnel of the department as necessary for the
26 efficient administration of the department and its programs.
27 (b) All of the above are to be accomplished in accordance with applicable
28 civil service laws, rules, and regulations, and with policies and rules of the
29 Department of Housing, and all are subject to budgetary control and applicable
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1 laws.
2 (2) Appoint, subject to gubernatorial approval, advisory councils,
3 boards, and commissions necessary in the administration of the department,
4 except as otherwise provided by law or by executive order.
5 (3) Employ such officers, agents, employees, and professional personnel,
6 including legal counsel, as he deems necessary for the performance of his
7 powers and duties and prescribe the powers and duties and fix the
8 compensation of such officers, agents, employees, and professional personnel.
9 (4) Contract upon such terms as he may agree upon, for legal, financial,
10 and other professional services necessary or expedient in the conduct of the
11 affairs of the Department of Housing under the provisions of this Chapter.
12 (5) Utilize the services of the other executive departments in the
13 executive branch of the state government upon mutually agreeable terms and
14 conditions.
15 (6) Represent, or designate an assistant secretary to represent, the state
16 in all matters involving or affecting the interest of the state and its residents,
17 relative to housing resources within the jurisdiction of the Department of
18 Housing before all federal agencies, offices, officials, and congressional
19 committees, and in all judicial actions arising out of the proceedings of such
20 agencies, offices, and committees or in relation thereto. Those employed or
21 contracted with as provided by this Section shall be entitled to represent the
22 state and the secretary and to appear in the courts and before agencies of this
23 state or the agencies, officials, and courts of the United States and of other
24 states, to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.
25 (7) Accept and use, in accordance with law, gifts, grants, bequests, and
26 endowments for purposes consistent with the responsibilities and functions of
27 the department and take such actions as are necessary to comply with any
28 conditions required for such acceptance.
29 (8) Obtain from the federal government and its agencies, the offices of
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1 the Department of Housing, and other state agencies any information and data
2 collected by such entities relating to housing, upon mutually agreeable terms
3 and conditions or as required by law; however, information and data subject to
4 nondisclosure under R.S. 44:4 shall maintain such status while in the custody
5 of the secretary.
6 (9) Formulate and promulgate rules of administration for the
7 department relating to employment and management.
8 (10) Establish in his office a capacity for policy analysis, development of
9 information and statistics, and generation of economic information relating to
10 the housing and housing affairs of the state.
11 (11) Delegate to the deputy secretary any and all duties, functions, and
12 authority of the secretary as provided by this Title or other applicable laws.
13 (12) Do such other things, not inconsistent with law, as are necessary to
14 perform properly the functions vested in him.
15 C. The provisions of this Chapter are not intended, nor shall they be
16 construed to affect the statutory duties, functions, and responsibilities of the
17 attorney general with respect to the department.
18 D. The procedures set forth in the Administrative Procedure Act shall
19 be utilized for the adoption, promulgation, amendment, or rescission of rules
20 and regulations authorized in this Section.
21 §365. Deputy secretary
22 There may be a deputy secretary of the Department of Housing, who
23 shall be appointed by the secretary with consent of the Senate and who shall
24 serve at the pleasure of the secretary at a salary fixed by the secretary, which
25 salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature
26 while in session. The duties and functions of the deputy secretary shall be
27 determined and assigned by the secretary. If appointed, he shall serve as acting
28 secretary in the absence of the secretary.
29 §366. Undersecretary; functions; office of management and finance
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1 A. There shall be an undersecretary of the Department of Housing, who
2 shall be appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate and who shall
3 serve at the pleasure of the governor at a salary fixed by the governor, which
4 salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature
5 while in session. The undersecretary shall be directly responsible to and shall
6 perform his functions under the supervision and control of the secretary.
7 B. The undersecretary shall direct and be responsible for the functions
8 of the office of management and finance within the Department of Housing. In
9 such capacity he shall be responsible for accounting and budget control,
10 procurement and contract management, data processing, management and
11 program analysis, personnel management, and grants management for the
12 department and all of its offices, including all agencies transferred to the
13 Department of Housing, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Title.
14 He shall employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as are
15 necessary for the efficient administration of the office of management and
16 finance and the performance of its powers, duties, functions, and
17 responsibilities, in accordance with applicable civil service laws, rules, and
18 regulations, and with policies and rules of the department, all subject to
19 budgetary control and applicable laws. The undersecretary shall exercise all
20 powers and authority granted to him in this Title subject to the overall direction
21 and control of the secretary.
22 C. The duties and functions of the office of management and finance and
23 of the undersecretary shall be as provided in this Section, and these duties and
24 functions shall not be subject to change by the secretary, except that the
25 undersecretary shall perform such additional duties and functions as are
26 assigned by the secretary.
27 §367. Assistant secretaries
28 A. Each office within the Department of Housing, except the office of
29 management and finance, shall be under the immediate supervision and
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1 direction of an assistant secretary. The assistant secretary of each such office
2 shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate and shall
3 serve at the pleasure of the governor. Each assistant secretary shall be paid a
4 salary which shall be fixed by the governor, which salary shall not exceed the
5 salary approved for such position by the legislature while in session.
6 B. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Title, the duties and
7 functions of each office and its assistant secretary shall be determined by the
8 secretary, and all of such duties and functions shall be exercised under the
9 direct supervision and control of the secretary.
10 C. Except as otherwise provided, each assistant secretary shall employ,
11 appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as are necessary for the
12 efficient administration of his office and its programs and the performance of
13 its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities, in accordance with applicable
14 civil service laws, rules, and regulations, and with policies and rules of the
15 department, all subject to budgetary control and applicable laws.
16 D. Each assistant secretary shall exercise all powers and authority
17 granted to him in this Title subject to the overall direction and control of the
18 secretary.
19 §368. Offices; purposes and functions
20 A. The purposes for which the offices of the Department of Housing are
21 created shall be as set forth in this Section.
22 B. The office of housing management shall perform the functions of the
23 state relative to housing programs.
24 C. The office of housing assessment shall provide for quality assessment
25 of housing and such duties related thereto as delegated by the secretary.
26 D. The office of housing compliance shall provide for enforcement of
27 housing laws and regulations and the issuance of necessary licenses,
28 registrations, and exemptions.
29 Section 2. R.S. 36:4(A)(7), 151 through 157, and 351 through 359 are hereby
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1 repealed.
2 Section 3. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not
3 signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature
4 by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If
5 vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become
6 effective on the day following such approval.
7 Section 4. The Louisiana Law Institute is hereby directed to redesignate all
8 references to the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Environmental
9 Quality, office of natural resources.
10 Section 5. If the instrument that originated as Senate Bill No. of the 2022 Regular
11 Session of the Legislature does not become effective, this Act shall become null and void
12 and of no effect.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Matt DeVille.
DIGEST
SB 341 Original 2022 Regular Session Barrow
Present law creates the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of
Environmental Quality and provides for their ability to operate independently as executive
branch departments.
Proposed law combines the functions of both departments and creates the Department of
Environmental Quality, office of natural resources.
Proposed law creates the Department of Housing as an executive branch department and
provides for its functions and administration.
Proposed law repeals present law creating the Department of Elderly Affairs contingent upon
the abolition of one or more of the existing 20 departments of the executive branch or
constitutional authorization for an additional department.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 36:231(C)(1) and 239; adds R.S. 36:240, 241, and 361-368; repeals R.S.
36:4(A)(7), 151-157, and 351-359)
Page 17 of 17
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.