| Advisory Opinion request from Rep. Ed Murray regarding a potential contract for legal services with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. |
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Ed Murray was elected as State Representative - District 97 in a special election held on February 7, 2026. Rep. Murray was sworn into office on February 18, 2026.
Rep. Murray is a partner at the law firm of Chehardy, Sherman, Williams, Recile & Hayes ("Chehardy Sherman"). However, he does not have any ownership interest in Chehardy Sherman. Prior to taking office, Rep. Murray provided legal services in his position with Chehardy Sherman through a Professional Legal Services Contract with the Louisiana Workforce Commission for tax collections. The Professional Legal Services Contract is not subject to public bid laws and must be approved by the Office of the Attorney General. The most recent contract ended on June 30, 2025.
Rep. Murray also serves as an appointed member of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association ("CPIA"), which is a state agency within the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The CPIA manages New Orleans City Park and provides educational and cultural programs. Of the 20 authorized CPIA members, five are appointed by various governmental entities and nonprofit organizations. The remaining CPIA members are appointed by the current CPIA members. Rep. Murray receives no compensation for his service on the CPIA.
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La. R.S. 42:1113D: No person identified in Item (ii) of this Subparagraph or the spouse of such person nor any legal entity of a person shall enter into any contract with state government.
(ii) The provisions of this Subparagraph and other provisions which reference this Item shall apply to the following persons:
(aa) A legislator and any person who has been certified by the secretary of state as elected to the legislature.
(iii) For purposes of this Subsection, "legal entity of a person" means any corporation, partnership, or other legal entity in which a person identified in Item (ii) of this Subparagraph or the spouse of such person owns an interest of greater than five percent, except a publicly traded corporation or a legal entity in which the person owns a passive ownership interest that is the result of participation in a federally approved program of employee ownership.
La. R.S. 42:1113C: No legislator, member of his immediate family, or legal entity in which the legislator has a controlling interest shall bid on, enter into, or have a substantial economic interest in any contract, subcontract, or other transaction involving the legislator's agency.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
David Bordelon |
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