§ 36:356 — Undersecretary; functions; office of administration

§356. Undersecretary; functions; office of administration
A.(1) There shall be an undersecretary of the Department of Conservation and
Energy, who shall be appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate and who shall
serve at the pleasure of the governor at a salary fixed by the governor, which salary shall not
exceed the amount approved for the position by the legislature while in session.
(2) The undersecretary shall be directly responsible to and shall perform his functions
under the supervision and control of the secretary but for this Subsection, and shall otherwise
be vested with the authority provided in the Section.
B. Subject to R.S. 39:1 et seq., the undersecretary shall direct and be responsible for
the functions of the office of administration and the Louisiana Natural Resources Trust
Authority within the Department of Conservation and Energy. In this capacity, the
undersecretary shall be responsible for accounting and budgetary oversight, systems of
internal control and financial compliance, procurement and contract management,
information technology and data processing, management and program analysis, personnel
management, and grants management for the department and all of its offices, including all
agencies transferred to the Department of Conservation and Energy, except as otherwise
specifically provided in this Title. The undersecretary shall employ, appoint, remove, assign,
and promote personnel as is necessary for the efficient administration of the office of
administration and the Louisiana Natural Resources Trust Authority and the performance of
their powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities, in accordance with applicable civil
service laws, rules, and regulations, and with policies and rules of the department, all subject
to budgetary control and applicable laws. The undersecretary shall exercise all powers and
authority granted to him in this Title subject to the overall direction and control of the
secretary.
C.(1) The duties and functions of the office of administration and of the
undersecretary shall be as provided in this Section, and these duties and functions shall not
be subject to change by the secretary, except that the undersecretary shall perform such
additional duties and functions as are assigned by the secretary. The undersecretary shall:
(a) Ensure internal-control mechanisms to safeguard departmental assets and
promote compliance with financial, administrative, and regulatory requirements. This
responsibility shall include developing and enforcing written policies and procedures for the
prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse, as well as for proper budgeting,
accounting, and reporting practices.
(b) Coordinate and oversee auditing, both internal and external, to evaluate the
department's fiscal integrity and operational compliance. This shall include the authority to:
(i) Initiate or recommend financial, performance, and compliance audits of divisions,
programs, or processes within the department.
(ii) Collaborate with the legislative auditor or any external auditor authorized by law,
ensuring prompt access to records and cooperation by departmental staff.
(iii) Review and respond to audit findings, develop corrective-action plans, and
monitor their implementation to resolve deficiencies.
(c) Regularly report to the secretary on the department's financial status, the results
of any internal or external audits, and identified risks or potential areas of concern. In
connection therewith, the undersecretary shall recommend policies, practices, or remedial
actions necessary to enhance accountability and protect the department's resources.
(d) Have the authority to investigate personnel matters within the department,
including allegations of misconduct, inefficiency, or violations of department policies, and
to recommend to the secretary appropriate disciplinary action, consistent with civil service
laws, rules, and regulations.
(e) Have the authority to utilize the services of contracted third-party firms to assist
in the administration and management of the department.
(2) With express permission from the commissioner of administration, this
Subsection may be exempt from R.S. 39:1551 et seq.

Legislative History

Acts 1976, No. 513, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 83, §1, eff. June 22, 1977; Acts 2023, No. 150, §10, eff. Jan. 10, 2024; Acts 2024, No. 727, §1, eff. July 1, 2024; Acts 2025, No. 458, §4, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.