| Advisory opinion request as to whether deputies employed with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office, who were victims of the recent flooding, may accept financial assistance for their losses being offered by a non-profit organization. |
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As a result of the recent flooding in Vermilion Parish, six deputies suffered significant damage to their homes. Fourchon Oilman's Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, has offered to provide financial assistance to those deputies. Fourchon Oilman's Association has provided assistance to other flood victims in Louisiana by way of supply donations. Fourchon Oilman's Association does not have a contractual, business or other financial relationship with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office.
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La. R.S. 42:1111A(1) prohibits a public servant from receiving any thing of economic value, other than compensation and benefits from the governmental entity to which he is duly entitled, for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of his office and position.
La. R.S. 42:1115 provides that no public servant shall solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, anything of economic value as a gift or gratuity from any person or from any officer, director, agent, or employee of such person, if such public servant knows or reasonably should know that such person: (A)(1) has or is seeking to obtain contractual or other business or financial relationships with the public servant's agency, (2) is seeking, for compensation, to influence the passage or defeat of legislation by the public servant's agency, (B)(1) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by the public employee's agency, or (2) has substantial economic interests which may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the public employee's official duty.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Jennifer Land |
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