Answer

Generally, the payment of a bonus as a reward for an employee's performance of his or her normal duties would be prohibited by Article VII, §14 of the Louisiana Constitution. AG Op. No. 15-0130. The AG has numerous opinions stating that unless the proposed award or salary increase is conditioned on the employee performing duties that are unusual, extraordinary, unexpected as part of an established rewards and recognition program, or not required as a part of the normal duties of the employee, such a bonus is a prohibited donation. See also AG Op. No. 14-0080. There have been opinions of the AG that have allowed it in the case of teachers where the rise in salary for one period or one month is part of the overall employment contract. See AG Op. No. 04-0340. Absent such a contractual obligation on the part of the employer, or assuming extra duties (AG Op. No. 14-0080), a one-time bonus, would appear to be a prohibited donation. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 10/29/2025 02:38:40 PM