Answer

In addition to the Article VII, §14 of the Louisiana Constitution restrictions on the use of public funds/property, R.S. 42:1461 sets forth the personal fiduciary responsibilities of officials and employees not to misappropriate, misapply, convert, misuse or otherwise wrongfully take any funds or property belonging to the public entity in which they hold office or are employed. This fiduciary obligation would apply to the use of a vehicle by an agency head. See also AG Op. No. 13-0192, which discusses local government entities enacting ordinances to restrict personal use of vehicles owned by municipalities. Any such ordinances should take into account on call employees assigned to a vehicle and should not interfere with police work/Chief of Police authority. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 04/02/2026 07:27:38 AM