| A Request for an Advisory Opinion, submitted by Sandra Duck (former CEO of the Central Louisiana State Hospital), regarding whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") would prohibit Jeremy Nunnally from serving as chaplain for Central Louisiana State Hospital ("CLSH") on a contractual basis while he is employed as a CLSH Police Officer. |
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Mr. Nunnally has been employed in CLSH's Security Department as a part time WAE Police Officer 1-A since November 2, 2020. He has since accepted a Job Appointment position (Police Officer) at the facility with an effective date of January 10, 2022. As a Police Officer, his duties include transporting patients, patrolling the grounds and manning the front gate under the supervision of the Police Lieutenant A. Following the retirement of CLSH's chaplain, Mr. Nunnally, a licensed and ordained minister since 2009, has expressed interest in also providing chaplain services at CLSH which would be coordinated and supervised by the Social Services Department Head Social Worker 6B. Since chaplain jobs are in a different pay schedule and have different duties, the two positions cannot be combined. As such, a professional services contract would be required in order to retain Mr. Nunnally's services as a chaplain.
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The advisory opinion was originally requested by Sandra Duck, prior to her retirement as CEO. The proposed opinion is addressed to Celeste Gauthier, who is the interim CEO.
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La. R.S. 42:1102(2)(a)(i) defines "agency" to mean a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity. "Agency of the public servant" and "his agency" when used in reference to the agency of a public servant shall mean for public servants in the twenty principal departments of the executive branch of state government, the office in which such public servant carries out his primary responsibilities.
La. R.S. 42:1113(A)(1)(a) states no public servant, excluding any legislator and any appointed member of any board of commission and any member of a governing authority of a parish with a population of ten thousand or less, or member of such a public servant's immediate family, or legal entity in which he has a controlling interest shall bid on or enter into any contract, subcontract, or other transaction that is under the supervision or jurisdiction of the agency of such public servant.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
LaToya D. Jordan |
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