§ 23-133. Powers, duties and responsibilities of board of ethics.

(a)

Amendment and enforcement of rules. The board of ethics may adopt, amend, repeal and enforce rules and regulations to carry out the provisions and purposes of this division within its jurisdiction.

(b)

Investigations. All investigations and normal staff functions shall be conducted by the staff of the department of personnel, under the authority and direction of the board or hearing officer. The board or hearing officer may also obtain investigative assistance from any agency or department of the parish.

(c)

Function of parish attorney. The parish attorney or an assistant parish attorney designed by him shall serve as counsel for the board. However, if the parish attorney or a member of his staff is the subject of an investigation by the board in connection with a violation of this division, special counsel shall be appointed by the chairman of the board.

(d)

Permission to conduct private investigations. The board or a hearing officer designated by it may conduct private investigations in carrying out the board's responsibilities and powers under this division and in obtaining information to serve as a basis for recommending further legislation related to the purposes of this division.

(e)

Hearings. The board or hearing officer may conduct private and public hearings in discharge of the board's responsibilities.

(f)

Advisory opinions. The board may render advisory opinions with respect to the provisions of this division within its jurisdiction and rules and regulations issued by the board.

(g)

Reports. The board shall receive reports from agencies and collect information with respect to and conduct studies of, personal conflicts of interests of elected officials.

(h)

Conflict of interest involving more than one (1) agency. The board may consult with appropriate officials with respect to conflict of interest matters affecting more than one (1) public agency.

(i)

Consultation with agency heads and officers. The board may consult with agency heads and with appropriate officers designated by it as to the administration of this division within their respective agencies and the regulations issued thereunder applicable to their respective agencies.

(j)

Furnishing of information to parish council. The board shall provide reports and information to the parish president, parish council and to other elected officials concerning the administration of this division within its jurisdiction and conflict of interest matters generally.

(k)

Recommendations to parish council concerning ethics. The board shall make recommendations to the parish president and the parish council for revisions in the code of governmental ethics and other legislation relating to the conduct of elected officials.

(l)

Additional duties. The board shall do and perform such other acts, duties, and functions as are provided elsewhere in this article as it shall deem appropriate in connection with the provisions of this division within its jurisdiction.

(Code 1961, § 13-56)