Answer

R.S. 42:1113, in the Code of Governmental Ethics, provides that a public employee shall not engage in any transaction, including contracts, with their agency. This prohibition also applies to the immediate family of the public employee and to any legal entity in which the public employee and their immediate family, individually or collectively, owns more than a 25% interest. The term “agency” for a public employee of a political subdivision under the Code of Governmental Ethics is a fact specific determination that will ultimately be up to the Board or Ethics and/or court to determine. It is not always the same as the government entity, and in some cases may be the specific department or organizational unit of the political subdivision that the public employee works in. The political subdivision and/or the public employee seek an advisory opinion from the Board of Ethics prior to any contracting. The Board of Ethics will generally not render an advisory opinion on activity that has already occurred. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 10/19/2025 02:54:15 PM