Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:1101 – Declaration of policy
Terms Used In Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:1101
- Elected official: means any person holding an office in a governmental entity which is filled by the vote of the appropriate electorate. See Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:1102
- Public employee: means anyone, whether compensated or not, who is:
(i) An administrative officer or official of a governmental entity who is not filling an elective office. See Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:1102
- public office: means any state, district, parish or municipal office, elective or appointive, or any position as member on a board or commission, elective or appointive, when the office or position is established by the constitution or laws of this state. See Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:1
- Service: means the performance of work, duties, or responsibilities, or the leasing, rental, or sale of movable or immovable property. See Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:1102
A. Whereas the people of the state of Louisiana have in Article X, Section 21 of thethe Louisiana Constitution mandated that the legislature enact a code of ethics for officials and employees of this state and its political subdivisions, the legislature does hereby enact a Code of Governmental Ethics.
B. It is essential to the proper operation of democratic government that elected officials and public employees be independent and impartial; that governmental decisions and policy be made in the proper channel of the governmental structure; that public office and employment not be used for private gain other than the remuneration provided by law; and that there be public confidence in the integrity of government. The attainment of one or more of these ends is impaired when a conflict exists between the private interests of an elected official or a public employee and his duties as such. The public interest, therefore, requires that the law protect against such conflicts of interest and that it establish appropriate ethical standards with respect to the conduct of elected officials and public employees without creating unnecessary barriers to public service. It is the purpose of this Chapter to implement these policies and objectives.
Acts 1979, No. 443, §1, eff. April 1, 1980.