A. There may be a secretary of culture, recreation and tourism, who shall be appointed by the lieutenant governor with consent of the Senate and who shall serve at the pleasure of the lieutenant governor at a salary fixed by the lieutenant governor, which salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session.  The secretary shall serve as the executive head and chief administrative officer of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and shall have the responsibility for the policies of the department, except as otherwise provided by this Title, and for the administration, control, and operation of the functions, programs, and affairs of the department, provided that the secretary shall perform his functions under the general control and supervision of the lieutenant governor.  Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to alter the present civil service classification of any employee, deputy, or officer of the department or to place any such employee, deputy, or officer of the department in the office of the lieutenant governor for purposes of civil service classification.

B.  If a secretary is not appointed as provided by Subsection A of this Section, the lieutenant governor shall perform all duties, functions and responsibilities of the secretary as are provided by law.

Acts 1976, No. 513, §1.  Amended by Acts 1977, No. 83, §1, eff. June 22, 1977; Acts 1986, No. 124, §1, eff. June 26, 1986; Acts 2012, No. 338, §1.