reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:4073. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; diploma endorsement program

RS 17:4073 - Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; diploma endorsement program
A. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Advisory Council, shall establish a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) diploma endorsement to recognize a high school student who exhibits superior academic achievement in STEM discipline subjects.
B. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall establish the minimum course, proficiency, and other requirements the board deems necessary and appropriate for a student to earn the STEM diploma endorsement.
C. The state Department of Education and each public school governing authority shall provide information regarding the requirements for STEM diploma endorsement to all students enrolled in grades six through twelve and their parents.
D. The governing authority of each public high school shall maintain the records needed to identify students who have earned the STEM diploma endorsement and shall note such on the transcript of each student who earns the endorsement.
E. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Section.
Acts 2017, No. 392, §1, eff. June 23, 2017.
NOTE: See Acts 2017, No. 392, §3, that provides that the Act does not supercede the powers of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Board of Regents, or the postsecondary education management boards as prescribed by law.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:4101. Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship Program; creation; eligibility

RS 17:4101 - Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship Program; creation; eligibility
A. The Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship Program is hereby created for the purpose of covering the cost of mandatory fees at public postsecondary education institutions.
B. In order to qualify for the scholarship, a student shall be a member in good standing with the Louisiana National Guard, enrolled in a Louisiana public postsecondary education institution, and eligible for the tuition exemption provided for in R.S. 29:36.1.
C. The scholarship shall be available for an eligible student for up to four academic years or until the receipt of a degree at the baccalaureate level, whichever occurs first. However, any student receiving a scholarship under the provisions of this Chapter who is mobilized or called to active duty is entitled to an extension of the time the scholarship may be claimed equal to the amount of academic time impacted by the time served on active duty.
Acts 2023, No. 279, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:4102. Administration; scholarship amount; funding

RS 17:4102 - Administration; scholarship amount; funding
A. The administering agency for the scholarship program shall be the Board of Regents. The Louisiana National Guard shall assist the Board of Regents in the administration of the program.
B.(1) Upon notice from the public postsecondary education institution and the Louisiana National Guard that the student qualifies for the scholarship for the ensuing academic period, the administering agency shall make payment of the scholarship funds, on behalf of the student, directly to the institution at which such mandatory fees are due. The amount of the scholarship for each eligible student shall be equal to the amount of mandatory fees charged to the student by the institution.
(2) The payment of scholarships as provided in this Subsection shall be subject to the appropriation of funds for this purpose.
Acts 2023, No. 279, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5001. Taylor Opportunity Program for Students

RS 17:5001 - Taylor Opportunity Program for Students
As part of the Louisiana Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, the state shall provide financial assistance to any eligible student who enrolls on a full-time basis in an eligible college or university to pursue an academic undergraduate degree or skill or occupational training as defined by the administering agency including a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma program or a nonacademic undergraduate degree.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5021. Louisiana high school graduation

RS 17:5021 - Louisiana high school graduation
A.(1) Except as otherwise provided by Subsection B of this Section, to be eligible for an award pursuant to this Chapter, a student shall be certified as provided in this Chapter to have graduated from a public high school or a nonpublic high school which has been approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(2)(a) For a student graduating from a Louisiana nonpublic high school to be eligible for an award under this Chapter, beginning with applicants who graduate from a nonpublic high school during the 1999-2000 school year, the nonpublic high school from which the student graduates shall be approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education pursuant to R.S. 17:11 and, in addition, shall meet the standards required by the board for the students in such school to be eligible to receive from the state the benefit of appropriations for such items as transportation, textbooks, and administrative cost reimbursement.
(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, those nonpublic high schools that, not later than May 15, 2000, were approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education pursuant to R.S. 17:11 and applied for and had their application forwarded by the state Department of Education seeking the approval necessary for the students in such schools to be eligible to receive from the state the benefits of appropriations for such items as transportation, textbooks, and administrative cost reimbursement shall have until the 2003-2004 school year to meet the latter requirement in order for the graduates from such high schools to be eligible for an award under this Chapter.
B. Students funded through the Louisiana minimum foundation program and who are attending any high school in an adjoining state pursuant to an agreement in effect as of June 4, 1994, between the parish school system and the local governing authority of the school in the adjoining state shall be considered as having graduated from a state-approved nonpublic high school.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1; Acts 2017, No. 97, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5022. Citizenship requirements

RS 17:5022 - Citizenship requirements
A. Except as otherwise provided by this Section, to be eligible for an award pursuant to this Chapter, a student shall be a citizen of the United States.
B. The following students shall be deemed to satisfy the citizenship requirement of this Section:
(1) A student who is not a citizen of the United States but who is eligible to apply for such citizenship, if within sixty days after the date the student attains the age of majority, the student applies to become a citizen of the United States and obtains such citizenship within one year after the date of application.
(2)(a) A student graduating from high school who is not a citizen of the United States but who is the child of a non-United States citizen who is either serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces or has been honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
(b) The provisions of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph shall not apply to a student who graduates from high school prior to the 2018-2019 school year.
(3) A student who graduates from high school during the 2002-2003 school year or thereafter, who is not a citizen of the United States but who is a permanent resident as defined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service, and who is eligible to apply for United States citizenship.
C. An award under this Chapter shall be reinstated for any student who was determined eligible prior to the 2002-2003 school year, and such award was subsequently canceled due solely to that student's failure to become a United States citizen within one year after the date of the application, provided the student is a permanent resident, as defined by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, and is eligible to apply for United States citizenship or is now a United States citizen.
D. This Section is not applicable to a student who graduated from high school prior to the 1999-2000 school year.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1; Acts 2015, No. 403, §7.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5025.1. High school core curriculum requirements; Opportunity, Performance, Honors; students graduating prior to 2007-2008 school year

RS 17:5025.1 - High school core curriculum requirements; Opportunity, Performance, Honors; students graduating prior to 2007-2008 school year
To be eligible for an Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Award pursuant to this Chapter, a student who graduated from high school prior to the 2007-2008 school year shall have successfully completed a core curriculum which consists of sixteen and one-half units of high school course work as follows:
(1) English I, II, III, and IV (four units).
(2) Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units) and Algebra II (one unit).
(3) Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, or comparable Advanced Mathematics (one unit; however, Trigonometry is not an option for meeting this requirement for students graduating after the 2004-2005 school year).
(4) Biology (one unit).
(5) Chemistry (one unit).
(6) Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for Technology, or Agriscience I and II (both for one unit) (one unit).
(7) American History (one unit).
(8) World History, Western Civilization, or World Geography (one unit).
(9) Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit, nonpublic).
(10) Fine Arts Survey (one unit).
(11) Foreign Language (two units in a single language; however, one unit for students graduating from high school during the 1996-1997 or 1997-1998 school year).
(12) Computer Science, Computer Literacy, or Business Computer Applications (one-half unit; or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective course related to computers that is approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; or substitute at least one-half unit as an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum).
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5025.2. High school core curriculum requirements; Opportunity, Performance, Honors; students graduating 2007-2008 through 2012-2013

RS 17:5025.2 - High school core curriculum requirements; Opportunity, Performance, Honors; students graduating 2007-2008 through 2012-2013
To be eligible for an Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Award pursuant to this Chapter, a student who graduated from high school during or after the 2007-2008 school year but not later than the 2012-2013 school year shall have successfully completed a core curriculum which consists of seventeen and one-half units of high school course work as follows:
(1) English I, II, III, and IV (four units).
(2) Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units) and Algebra II (one unit).
(3) Geometry, Calculus, or comparable Advanced Mathematics (one unit).
(4) Biology (one unit).
(5) Chemistry (one unit).
(6) Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for Technology, or Agriscience I and II (both for one unit) (one unit).
(7) American History (one unit).
(8) World History, Western Civilization, or World Geography (one unit).
(9) Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit, nonpublic).
(10) Fine Arts Survey (one unit; or substitute two units of performance courses in music, dance, or theater; or substitute two units of visual art courses; or substitute two units of studio art courses; or substitute one unit as an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum).
(11) Foreign Language (two units in a single language; however students graduating from high school during the 1996-1997 school year or the 1997-1998 school year are required to have only one unit).
(12) Computer Science, Computer Literacy, or Business Computer Applications (one-half unit; or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective course related to computers that is approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; or substitute at least one-half unit as an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum).
(13) At least one unit as an elective from among the following math subjects: Geometry, Calculus, or approved advanced math substitute, or the following science subjects: Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics or Physics II.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5025.3. High school core curriculum requirements; Opportunity, Performance, Honors; students graduating 2013-2014 through 2016-2017 school years

RS 17:5025.3 - High school core curriculum requirements; Opportunity, Performance, Honors; students graduating 2013-2014 through 2016-2017 school years
To be eligible for an Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Award, a student who graduated from high school during or after the 2013-2014 school year but not later than the 2016-2017 school year shall have successfully completed a core curriculum which consists of nineteen units of high school course work as follows:
(1) English I, II, III, and IV (four units).
(2) Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units) and Algebra II (one unit).
(3) Geometry, Calculus, or comparable Advanced Mathematics (two units).
(4) Biology (one unit).
(5) Chemistry (one unit).
(6) Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for Technology, or Agriscience I and II (both for one unit) (two units).
(7) American History (one unit).
(8) World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, or History of Religion (two units).
(9) Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit, nonpublic).
(10) Fine Arts Survey (one unit or substitute one unit of a performance course in music, dance, or theater; or substitute one unit of a visual art course; or substitute one unit of a studio art course; or substitute one unit of drafting).
(11) Foreign Language (two units in a single language).
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5028. Other student eligibility requirements

RS 17:5028 - Other student eligibility requirements
A. To be eligible for an award pursuant to this Chapter, a student shall not have any criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations and, if the student has been in the United States Armed Forces and has separated from such service, he shall have received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.
B. The student shall apply for a federal grant prior to receiving a grant of state funds under this Section unless the student can demonstrate that he does not qualify for federal grant aid.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5042. Maintaining eligibility; TOPS-Tech

RS 17:5042 - Maintaining eligibility; TOPS-Tech
To maintain continued state payment of any amount pursuant to a TOPS-Tech Award once enrolled in an institution, a student shall meet all of the following:
(1) Make steady academic progress as defined by the administering agency toward completion of the requirements of the program in which enrolled, earning not less than the minimum number of hours of credit required for full-time standing or the required number of hours needed to complete the program's requirements. If at any time a student fails to maintain the cumulative grade point average required for continuation in the program or as of the end of any term during the school year fails to make steady academic progress as defined by the administering agency, the student shall become ineligible for further payments. Payments may be reinstated upon attainment of the grade point average required for continuation of the original award and the standards for steady academic progress as defined by the administering agency, provided that the student has maintained other continuation requirements and the period of ineligibility did not persist for more than one year from the date of loss of eligibility. If this one-year period is interrupted due to a student's active duty service in the United States Armed Forces, the one-year period shall be extended for a length of time equal to the student's active duty service, not to exceed four years, unless the student reenlists in the United States Armed Forces and maintains continuous active duty, in which case the period shall be extended for a length of time equal to the student's active duty service; or unless the student is granted an exception for cause by the administering agency.
(2) Maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student unless granted an exception for cause by the administering agency.
(3) Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 calculated on a 4.00 scale.
(4) Have no criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations and, if the student has been in the United States Armed Forces and has separated from such service, has received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1; Acts 2017, No. 44, §1, eff. June 3, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5043. Returning students

RS 17:5043 - Returning students
Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary, any otherwise qualified student who meets each of the following conditions and who enrolls as a first-time freshman in an out-of-state college or university, or beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year, first enrolls as a first-time freshman in an eligible college or university in Louisiana and subsequently enrolls in an out-of-state college or university, may use the program award provided for by this Section at an eligible college or university in Louisiana in accordance with this Section and other applicable provisions of this Chapter; however, the time period of award eligibility set forth in R.S. 17:5002(E) shall be reduced by an equivalent number of units as may be applicable for each semester or equivalent time period that the student is enrolled in an out-of-state college or university:
(1) The student has been determined by the administering agency to meet the initial eligibility requirements established by this Section for an Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Award.
(2) The student enrolled as a first-time freshman in one of the following:
(a) An out-of-state college or university in accordance with the timelines specified by this Section for enrollment in an eligible college or university in Louisiana and the out-of-state college or university is accredited by an institutional accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education.
(b) An eligible college or university in Louisiana in accordance with the timelines specified by this Section for enrollment, who subsequently enrolled in an out-of-state college or university that is accredited by an institutional accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education, and then reenrolled in an eligible college or university in Louisiana during the 2009-2010 academic year or thereafter.
(3) While enrolled in such an out-of-state college or university the student met all requirements of this Section that would have been applicable to such student for continuation of the initial award if the student had enrolled in an eligible college or university in Louisiana.
(4) The student graduated from high school during the 2001-2002 school year or thereafter.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1; Acts 2021, No. 95, §1, eff. June 4, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5061. Administering agency

RS 17:5061 - Administering agency
The provisions of this Chapter shall be administered by the Board of Regents. The administering agency shall provide by rule adopted as provided by the Administrative Procedure Act for all matters necessary to the implementation of this Chapter.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1; Acts 2017, No. 97, §1; Acts 2018, No. 671, §1, eff. June 1, 2018.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5063. Notice of Program Changes

RS 17:5063 - Notice of Program Changes
In addition to any other requirements of this Chapter, the administering agency shall notify all appropriate public and nonpublic school personnel, including school counselors, of any changes in law or agency rules relative to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students no later than sixty days after such change.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5064. School boards

RS 17:5064 - School boards
Each city, parish, or other local public school board for the high school under its jurisdiction or the principals of such high schools and the principal or headmaster of each nonpublic high school approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall, using the criteria in Subpart B of Part I of this Chapter as the minimum qualifications for selection, identify and certify to the administering agency those achieving the required academic standards to qualify for an award pursuant to this Chapter.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1; Acts 2017, No. 97, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5069. TOPS Income Fund

RS 17:5069 - TOPS Income Fund
A. The TOPS Income Fund, hereinafter referred to as the "fund", is hereby created within the state treasury as a special fund for the purpose of funding the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS).
B. Any money donated to the fund or appropriated to the fund by the legislature shall be deposited in the fund. Monies in the fund shall be invested in the same manner as monies in the general fund. Interest earned on investments of monies in the fund shall be credited to the fund. Unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund.
C. Monies in the fund shall be used and expended solely to provide funding for TOPS, together with any other funds available, including the TOPS Fund.
Acts 2018, No. 583, §1, eff. July 1, 2018.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5121. Effectiveness of Chapter; continuance of certain tuition payments

RS 17:5121 - Effectiveness of Chapter; continuance of certain tuition payments
A. Awards pursuant to this Chapter may be made for the first time such that payments would be made beginning with the 1998-1999 school year.
B. Students graduating from high school or who have successfully completed at the twelfth grade level a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education during a 1996-1997 school year and thereafter may apply for and if otherwise qualified be eligible to receive an Opportunity Award, Performance Award, or Honors Award as provided by this Chapter.
C. Students graduating from high school or who have successfully completed at the twelfth grade level a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education during the 1997-1998 school year and thereafter may apply for and if otherwise qualified be eligible to receive the TOPS-Tech Award as provided by this Chapter.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:5122. Notice to students and parents

RS 17:5122 - Notice to students and parents
The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall require that the governing authority of every public secondary school include as a component of a student's five-year educational plan as required by R.S. 17:183.2 comprehensive information relative to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students and program eligibility requirements for each of the awards. Additionally, the parent or other person responsible for the student's school attendance at the ninth grade level shall be required to return to the school at the start of the student's ninth grade year a signed notice that the program information and eligibility requirements have been reviewed by the parent or other responsible person and by the student and that, for informational and data collection purposes only, expresses the intent of the parent or other responsible person as to whether or not the student will be pursuing the necessary program of studies to be eligible for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award.
Acts 2015, No. 227, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1. Short title; citation

RS 18:1 - Short title; citation
A. Title 18 shall constitute and be known as the "Louisiana Election Code", and its Chapters, Parts, Subparts, and Sections may be cited officially as Chapters, Parts, and Sections of either the Louisiana Election Code or Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. In the latter case, the Sections shall be cited in the manner provided in R.S. 1:1.
B. The Louisiana Election Code shall regulate the conduct of elections and political subdivisions shall be prohibited from adopting any law, resolution, or ordinance relative to elections and the conduct thereof, including campaign finance, except as otherwise specifically authorized in this code.
Acts 1989, No. 56, §1, eff. June 16, 1989.
{{NOTE: ACTS 1989, NO. 56, §2 VOIDS LOCAL LAWS, ORDINANCES, AND RESOLUTIONS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED WHICH ARE PROHIBITED BY THIS SECTION.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:18.1. Political activities prohibited

RS 18:18.1 - Political activities prohibited
A. Neither the commissioner of elections nor any employee of the elections division within the Department of State who is in the unclassified state service shall participate or engage in political activity, including his own or any other candidacy for election to public office; membership on any national, state, or local committee of a political party or faction; making or soliciting contributions for any political party, faction, or candidate; taking active part in the management of the affairs of a political party, faction, candidate, or any political campaign, except to exercise his right as a citizen to express his opinion privately and to cast his vote as he desires.
B. As used in this Section, the term "political activity" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Article X, Section 9(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
Acts 2003, No. 1220, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:18.2. Certain political activities prohibited; secretary of state

RS 18:18.2 - Certain political activities prohibited; secretary of state
A. The secretary of state may participate or engage in political activity related to his own candidacy for election to public office, including soliciting contributions for his campaign and taking an active part in the management of the affairs of his campaign and his principal campaign committee. He may also exercise his right as a citizen to express his opinion privately and to cast his vote as he desires. The secretary of state shall not participate or engage in any other political activity, including the candidacy of any other person for election to public office; membership on any other national, state, or local committee of a political party or faction; making or soliciting contributions for any political party, faction, or other candidate; or taking active part in the management of the affairs of a political party, faction, other candidate, or any other political campaign.
B. As used in this Section, the term "political activity" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Article X, Section 9(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
Acts 2006, No. 415, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:19. Contracts for storage of voting machines; public bid; negotiation

RS 18:19 - Contracts for storage of voting machines; public bid; negotiation
A.(1) Each contract entered into by the secretary of state for the lease of any building or portion thereof for the storage of voting machines shall be advertised and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with the applicable provisions of R.S. 39:1551 et seq. For the purposes of advertising, awarding, and administering contracts for the lease of space for the storage of voting machines, the secretary of state may utilize any applicable procurement regulation promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act by the commissioner of administration.
(2) In addition to all other notices and advertisements for bids required, the secretary of state shall furnish notice of the invitation for bids at least thirty days prior to the opening of bids for each contract for the storage of voting machines for a parish in the following manner:
(a) Publish notice of the invitation for bids in a newspaper of general circulation printed in such parish, or if there is no newspaper printed in such parish, in a newspaper printed in the nearest parish, that has a general circulation in the parish covered by the contract.
(b) Send such notice to the clerk of court for such parish who shall prominently post such notice in his office.
(c) Notify the parish governing authority for such parish of the contract and that such parish governing authority is allowed to bid on such contract.
(3) Contracts for the lease of space for storage of voting machines may be entered into on a parish or regional basis with a storage facility in each parish. If a single contract provides for the storage of voting machines for more than one parish, then the notices required by this Subsection shall be provided in each parish covered by such contract in accordance with this Subsection and there shall be a storage facility in each such parish.
B.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section or any other provision of law to the contrary, the secretary of state may modify any existing lease between the department and a lessor by negotiation, if the following conditions exist:
(a) Additional storage space is required in order to accommodate an increase in the number of voting machines due to an increase in population of the affected parish.
(b) Additional storage space is required in order to accommodate voting machines of a different configuration than the voting machines stored under the original lease agreement.
(2) No modification to a lease through negotiation shall be made the effect of which increases the existing price per square foot by more than twenty-five percent, and no modification to a lease through negotiation shall be made in the first two years or the last two years of the term of any such lease.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2001, No. 451, §1, eff. Jan. 12, 2004.
NOTE: See Acts 2001, No. 451, §8(A), relative to effective date.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:20. Contracts for a signature digitization/verification system

RS 18:20 - Contracts for a signature digitization/verification system
The secretary of state may enter into contracts necessary to provide for a signature digitization/verification system to be used to carry out the functions of election officials.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2001, No. 451, §1, eff. Jan. 12, 2004.
NOTE: See Acts 2001, No. 451, §8(A), relative to effective date.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:21. Maps; use of voting machines, technology, and other resources; fees; Voting Technology Fund

RS 18:21 - Maps; use of voting machines, technology, and other resources; fees; Voting Technology Fund
A. The secretary of state may produce and sell maps of precincts and election jurisdictions. The secretary of state may charge uniform, reasonable fees for the maps. The fees shall be established by rule adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
B. The secretary of state may utilize the voting machines, voting technology, and other resources of his office to conduct an election not governed by the provisions of this Code or law. The secretary of state may charge uniform, reasonable fees for this service. The fees shall be established by rule adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
C.(1) There is hereby created as a special fund in the state treasury, the Voting Technology Fund, hereafter in this Subsection referred to as the "fund". The source of monies for the fund shall be the monies derived from fees imposed pursuant to this Section, and any other monies appropriated to the fund.
(2) All fees imposed and collected pursuant to this Section shall be remitted to the state treasurer for immediate deposit into the state treasury. After compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, and prior to monies being placed in the state general fund, an amount equal to the fees collected as required by this Section shall be credited to the fund. Monies in the fund shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner as monies in the state general fund. All interest earned on the investment of monies in the fund shall be credited to this fund following compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at the end of each fiscal year shall remain in the fund.
(3) All monies in the fund shall be used solely and exclusively for general operating purposes and for the acquisition and maintenance of voting machine technology, including hardware and software; voting equipment and supplies; voter outreach; voter improvement; early voting; and information technology products to produce, run, and support the election and voting system.
Acts 2015, No. 296, §1, eff. Jan. 11, 2016; Acts 2019, No. 362, §3, eff. June 11, 2019.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:24. Powers and duties; authority to intervene in actions

RS 18:24 - Powers and duties; authority to intervene in actions
A. To accomplish the purposes of this Part and Subpart G of Part V of Chapter 5 of this Title, the board shall have the following powers, duties, and functions:
(1) To adopt, amend, and repeal such rules and regulations as are necessary for the transaction of its business and to implement the provisions of this Part and Subpart G of Part V of Chapter 5 of this Title.
(2) To conduct hearings as provided in this Part and Subpart G of Part V of Chapter 5 of this Title.
(3) To review election laws and procedures and to report to the legislature as required by this Part.
(4) To employ an executive director, legal counsel, and such other personnel as the board deems necessary and appropriate.
(5) To exercise such other powers and duties as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of the board as set forth in this Part and not inconsistent with such provisions.
(6) To conduct appeals of merit evaluations of registrars of voters as provided in R.S. 18:55.
B. To accomplish the purposes of Subpart G of Part V of Chapter 5 of this Title, the board shall also have the power and authority to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, require the production of books and records, and do all other things necessary to discharge its duties and responsibilities.
Acts 1980, No. 681, §1, eff. July 24, 1980. Acts 1983, No. 519, §1, eff. July 8, 1983; Acts 1988, No. 831, §1; Acts 2003, No. 423, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004; Acts 2016, No. 358, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:25. Annual reports

RS 18:25 - Annual reports
A. The board shall regularly review all election laws and all procedures used in the conducting of elections in this state.
B. The board shall annually report to the House and Governmental Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee of the Senate its findings, observations, and recommendations concerning all aspects of elections in this state. The report shall be submitted no later than January thirty-first each year and shall include but shall not be limited to the following subjects: election laws in general, registration procedures, election procedures, election officials, voting machines, tabulation and transmission of election returns, procedures used for casting and counting absentee by mail and early voting ballots, and any other aspect of elections the board deems appropriate.
Acts 1980, No. 681, §1, eff. July 24, 1980; Acts 2005, No. 220, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2006; Acts 2012, No. 138, §1, eff. May 14, 2012; Acts 2017, No. 176, §1, eff. June 14, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:27. Political activities prohibited

RS 18:27 - Political activities prohibited
A. No employee of the board who is in the unclassified state service shall participate or engage in political activity, including his own or any other candidacy for election to public office; membership on any national, state, or local committee of a political party or faction; making or soliciting contributions for any political party, faction, or candidate; taking active part in the management of the affairs of a political party, faction, candidate, or any political campaign, except to exercise his right as a citizen to express his opinion privately and to cast his vote as he desires.
B. As used herein, the term "political activity" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Article X, Section 9(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 778, §1, eff. Aug. 4, 1982.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:31. State voter registration computer system; parish computer system

RS 18:31 - State voter registration computer system; parish computer system
A.(1) The secretary of state shall establish a state voter registration computer system for the registration of voters throughout the state in accordance with the provisions of this Title.
(2) The secretary of state shall prepare a minimum of one hour of training on cybersecurity for all persons who have user credentials to access the computer network operated or managed by the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall require each such person to complete this training annually in order to maintain credentialed access to the computer network.
B. The secretary of state shall adopt rules and regulations with respect to all records, data, and information required for registration of voters and the transfer of copies thereof to the department. The secretary of state shall establish, by rule, a uniform cost for the preparation of lists of registered voters. However, no charges for preparation or transmission of voter registration data shall apply to the office of motor vehicles of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, when the transmitted data is used to verify voter registration information against driver's license and social security information. All rules and regulations shall be adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
C. All revenues derived from the sale of lists of registered voters and related statistical information and from the use of the Department of State's information system shall be deposited in the state general fund to the credit of the Department of State. The secretary of state shall utilize such revenues to offset and supplement costs relating to the operation of the state voter registration computer system.
D. Pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 18:18(A)(4), the secretary of state shall submit to the legislature an annual report in a format requested by the legislature which includes a list of registered voters and other data associated with registered voters to be used for redistricting and other legislative purposes. Such lists and data shall be updated quarterly as requested by the legislature.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 166, §1, eff. July 14, 1982; Acts 1984, No. 672, §1; Acts 1985, No. 754, §1; Acts 1988, No. 909, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1999, No. 254, §2, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2001, No. 451, §1, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2003, No. 1220, §2, eff. July 3, 2003, and §3, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2020, No. 28, §1, eff. June 4, 2020.
NOTE: See Acts 2001, No. 451, §8(A), relative to effective date.
NOTE: See Acts 2003, No. 1220, §5, relative to effective date.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:41. Louisiana Elections Integrity; administration of Part

RS 18:41 - Louisiana Elections Integrity; administration of Part
A. The Board of Ethics, hereafter in this Part referred to as the "board", shall administer the provisions of this Part.
B. Board members shall be paid the same per diem as members of the legislature for each day of attendance at board meetings and shall be reimbursed actual expenses incurred in attending board meetings and in conducting board business.
C. The board shall hold such meetings as are necessary to effectuate its purposes and shall meet upon call of the chairman or upon the request of any three members.
Acts 1989, No. 45, §1; Acts 1996, 1st Ex. Sess., §11, eff. Jan. 1, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:43. Investigations and hearings; certain elections

RS 18:43 - Investigations and hearings; certain elections
A. The board may investigate any aspect of any election, except as provided in R.S. 18:45. The board may initiate such an investigation upon the receipt of a sworn statement by any registered voter of this state alleging error, fraud, irregularity, or other unlawful activity in the conduct of an election.
B. The board may convene in any location in the state for the purpose of conducting hearings and receiving testimony concerning any irregularity, error, or apparent violation of law in any election. It may convene upon the receipt by the board of a sworn statement by any registered voter of this state alleging error, fraud, irregularity, or other unlawful activity in the conduct of an election.
C. The board shall have the power and authority to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, compel the production of books, documents, records, and papers, public and private, and to do all other things necessary in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
D. Failure to comply with any order of the board, issued in accordance with or under authority hereof, refusal to testify, or any act of disrespect or of disorderly or contemptuous behavior before the board shall constitute contempt of the board, and the board shall have the power and authority to institute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction for the punishment thereof as provided by the constitution and laws. False swearing or perjury before the board shall in like manner be punished in accordance with the laws of the state.
E. All proceedings in connection with any investigation by the board shall be conducted in closed session, and for that purpose, such proceedings shall be exempt from the provisions of the Public Meetings Law. All records pertaining to such proceedings shall be exempt from the provisions of the Public Records Law. They shall remain confidential and not be open for public inspection unless and until they are entered into the record of any court, except as specifically provided in R.S. 18:44(C). However, the records and findings of the board pertaining to any such proceedings shall be made available to the attorney general, to any district attorney having jurisdiction of the matter contained in such records or findings upon formal written request, or in response to the order of any court having jurisdiction of the matter contained in such records or findings. Any person appearing before the board shall be entitled to the right to counsel.
Acts 1989, No. 45, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:45. Limitations on powers and duties of board

RS 18:45 - Limitations on powers and duties of board
A. The provisions of R.S. 18:43 and 44 shall be applicable only to elections for the office of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, commissioner of insurance, United States senator, United States congressman, public service commissioner, member of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and justice of the supreme court.
B. The powers, duties, functions, and authority of the board as provided in this Part shall in no way apply or extend to any provisions of the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act contained in Chapter 11 of the Election Code and the board shall have no authority under the provisions of this Part to make any investigation or exercise any other power, duty, function, or authority in relation to the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 18.
Acts 1989, No. 45, §1; Acts 2001, No. 451, §1, eff. Jan. 12, 2004.
NOTE: See Acts 2001, No. 451, §8(A), relative to effective date.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:46. Annual reports

RS 18:46 - Annual reports
The board may report to the legislature any findings, observations, or recommendations concerning elections in this state which it determines, in the course of its investigations or otherwise, should be brought to the attention of the legislature. Such reports may be made annually prior to the annual regular session of the legislature, or at such other times as the board may deem appropriate.
Acts 1989, No. 45, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:47. Staff; assistance to board

RS 18:47 - Staff; assistance to board
A. The board may employ an executive director. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the board. The board may employ such other staff as it deems necessary or appropriate. It may employ staff on a full-time or part-time basis and may procure temporary or intermittent services as it deems necessary. The board may employ attorneys and it may procure the services of attorneys on a temporary or part-time basis as it deems necessary.
B. Every officer, department, board, or commission of the state or of any of its political subdivisions shall provide assistance, including use of facilities and investigatory personnel, upon the request of the board.
Acts 1989, No. 45, §1.