HLS 25RS-556 ORIGINAL
2025 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 362
BY REPRESENTATIVE SCHAMERHORN
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
SECRETARY OF STATE: Provides that the secretary of state is the chief protocol officer
of the state
1 AN ACT
2To enact R.S. 36:742(11), relative to the functions, powers, and duties of the secretary of
3 state; to provide that the secretary of state shall act as the chief protocol officer of the
4 state; and to provide for related matters.
5Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 36:742(11) is hereby enacted to read as follows:
7 ยง742. Powers and duties of secretary of state
8 In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the
9 secretary of state by law, he shall:
10 * * *
11 (11) Act as the chief protocol officer of the state of Louisiana. The secretary
12 shall actively seek appropriate contacts with other officials in nations with which the
13 state has or desires to have active trade, cultural, or educational relations and shall
14 help facilitate the interchange of ideas and contacts for betterment of commerce,
15 cultural exchange, or educational studies between such nations and the state.
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 25RS-556 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 362
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 362 Original 2025 Regular Session Schamerhorn
Abstract: To provide that the secretary of state shall act as the chief protocol officer of the
state of La.
Present law provides for the power and duties of the secretary of state which are as follows:
(1)Represent the public interest in the administration of present law and be responsible
to the legislature and the public therefor.
(2)Employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as is necessary for the
efficient administration of the department.
(3)In accordance with present law, make, alter, amend, and promulgate rules and
regulations necessary for the administration and the functions of the department.
(4)Organize, plan, supervise, direct, administer, execute, and be responsible for the
functions and programs vested in the department.
(5)Make reports and recommendations on his own initiative or upon the request of the
legislature, or any committee or member thereof.
(6)Provide for the ongoing reorganization and consolidation of the department and
submit a report thereon to the legislature.
(7)Be responsible for accounting and budget control, procurement and contract
management, management and program analysis, data processing, personnel
management, and grants management for the department.
(8)Investigate allegations of election irregularities.
(9)Do such other things, not inconsistent with law, as are necessary to perform properly
the functions vested in him.
(10)On an annual basis, provide the legislature with a full organizational chart for the
department and the current salary of the person occupying each filled position shown
on the organizational chart.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally provides that the secretary shall act as the
chief protocol officer of the state. Requires the secretary to actively seek appropriate
contacts with other officials in nations with which the state has or desires to have active
trade, cultural, or educational relations and to help facilitate the interchange of ideas and
contacts for betterment of commerce, cultural exchange, or educational studies between such
nations and the state.
(Adds R.S. 36:742(11))
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.