A.  The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections is hereby authorized to pay out of funds appropriated to any unit of the department compensation in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars for the property damage or personal injury sustained, and medical expenses incurred therewith, by any person assisting or forced to assist in the pursuit of any prisoner who has escaped from the custody of any adult or juvenile institution of the department immediately following such escape and while in hot pursuit; or any such damage or injury sustained by persons, caused by any adult or juvenile who is in the physical custody of the department while in the course of such escape from any institution owned and operated by the department or the vicinity thereof.  

B.  Any contract entered into by the department for operation of a half-way house or similar facility which allows for physical custody of inmates by persons other than the department shall provide, as a condition of the contract, that the person assuming custody of the inmates shall be responsible for payment of damages caused as described in this Section.  

C.  A notarized statement, and such other information as may be required by the secretary of the department, shall be submitted prior to any reimbursement under this Section.  

Acts 1954, No. 205, §1.  Amended by Acts 1975, No. 447, §1; Acts 1987, No. 100, §1.