Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 22-325
 
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RE:
Request for an advisory opinion concerning the application of the Code of Governmental Ethics to Chez Hope, Inc., who would like to enter into a contract with an accounting firm that employs a former board member's son.
Facts:
Chez Hope, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence, community education, law enforcement training and support services. It also coordinates domestic abuse intervention through the court system and provides services to child victims of domestic violence. Chez Hope, Inc. receives a significant portion of its funding from federal grants through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

Chez Hope, Inc.'s board president, Chuck Autin, resigned effective April 22, 2022. Mr. Autin's son works for an accounting firm with whom Chez Hope, Inc. would like to contract with for its bookkeeping and human resource services.

Law:
La. R.S. 42:1102(18)(a) defines "public employee" to mean "anyone, whether compensated or not who is: (i) an administrative officer or official or a governmental entity who is not filling an elected office. (ii) appointed by an elected official when acting in an official capacity, and the appointment is to a post or position wherein the appointee is to serve the governmental entity or an agency thereof, either as a member of an agency, or as an employee thereof. (iii) engaged in the performance of a governmental function. (iv) under the supervision or authority of an elected official or another employee of the governmental entity."

La. R.S. 42:1102(12) defines "governmental entity" to mean "the state or any political subdivision which employs the public employee or employed the former public employee or to which the elected official is elected, as the case may be."

Recommendations:
Adopt draft of advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: Kathleen Allen
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2022-325 - AO regarding Post employment restrictions on a former member of the board of Chez Hope Inc.
2022-325- Chez Hope Incorporated - Audit Year Ended June 30 2021
2022-325 - Advisory Opinion Draft - Chez Hope (2)