§504. Powers and duties of secretary of transportation and development

A. In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the secretary by law, he shall:

(1) Represent the public interest in the administration of this Chapter and shall be responsible to the governor, the legislature, and the public therefor.

(2) Determine the policies of the department, except as specifically provided for agencies transferred to the department as otherwise provided in this Title.

(3) In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, make, alter, amend, and promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the functions of the department, except as otherwise specifically provided for agencies transferred to the department.

(4) Organize, plan, supervise, direct, administer, execute, and be responsible for the functions and programs vested in the department, in the manner and to the extent provided by this Title.

(5) Advise the governor on problems concerning the administration of the department.

(6) Act as the sole agent of the state or, in necessary cases, designate one of his subordinates within the department to cooperate with the federal government and with other state and local agencies in matters of mutual concern and in the administration of federal funds granted to the state or directly to the department or an office thereof to aid in the furtherance of any function of the department and its offices. For this purpose he may take such actions, in accordance with any applicable state law, necessary to meet such federal standards as are established for the administration and use of such federal funds, except as otherwise specifically provided by the constitution and laws of this state. The secretary shall have full and complete power to perform all duties imposed by law upon the department either directly or through his designated subordinates, except as specifically provided for agencies transferred to the department. This grant of power and authority to the secretary, shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes of this Chapter and the constitution and laws of this state.

(7) Make reports and recommendations on his own initiative or upon the request of the governor, the legislature, or any committee or member thereof.

(8) Provide for the ongoing merger and consolidation of the agencies and functions transferred to his department and submit a report thereon to the governor and the legislature, which report shall accompany the budget statement which he submits under provisions of R.S. 39:33. Such report shall include a statement of the goals of the department and to the programs thereof and shall summarize the accomplishments of the department in meeting such goals and implementing such programs. The report shall also contain a specific statement of the reorganization and consolidation plan for the department for the next year and shall include a report on the implementation of such reorganization and consolidation plan for the previous year. The report concerning reorganization shall specifically detail the extent to which the department has achieved goals stated the previous year with respect to merger and consolidation of functions, abolition of agencies, consolidation of offices, elimination of job positions, and efficiency and economy in delivery of services. The report shall contain any recommendations with respect to reorganization which may require legislative action under the provisions of this Title. A copy of the report and recommended legislation shall also be submitted by the secretary to the presiding officer of both houses of the legislature. The presiding officer shall refer the report to the appropriate committee having jurisdiction of the subject matter as provided in the rules of the respective house.

(9)(a) On an annual basis, provide all of the following information to the legislature no later than fifteen days prior to the convening of each regular session:

(i) A full organizational chart for the department which is current as of the date of submission to the legislature and which shows each staff position, whether filled or vacant, that comprises the department.

(ii) The current salary of the person occupying each filled position shown on the organizational chart.

(b) The secretary may submit the annual report required by this Paragraph in electronic format and is further authorized, but is not required, to submit the report at the time of submission of a report pursuant to Paragraph (7) of this Subsection.

B. The secretary shall have authority to:

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in R.S. 36:801, R.S. 36:801.1, and R.S. 36:803:

(a) Employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as is necessary for the efficient administration of the executive office of the secretary and the performance of its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities and such other personnel, who are not assigned to an office as may be necessary for the efficient administration of the department and for the performance of the responsibilities, powers, duties, and functions of agencies transferred to it.

(b) Employ, assign, and remove all personnel employed for the department on a contractual basis; and

(c) Transfer the personnel of the department as necessary for the efficient administration of the department and its programs; all of the above to be accomplished in accordance with applicable civil service laws, rules, and regulations, and with policies and rules of the Department of Transportation and Development, and all subject to budgetary control and applicable laws.

(d) Negotiate and execute, for meaningful consideration, contracts that permit the use of bridges under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and Development for installation of cables for communication systems. "Meaningful consideration" shall include but not be limited to a specific fee or rental during the period of the contract. The secretary shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to establish and assure a uniform criteria for the negotiation and execution of the aforementioned contracts. As nearly as is practicable such rules and regulations shall be promulgated sixty days after the effective date of this Subparagraph.

(2) Appoint, subject to gubernatorial approval, advisory councils, boards, and commissions necessary in the administration of the department.

(3) Accept and use, in accordance with law, gifts, grants, bequests, and endowments for purposes consistent with the responsibilities and functions of the department and take such actions as are necessary to comply with any conditions required for such acceptance.

(4) Formulate and promulgate rules of administration for the department relating to employment and management.

(5) Do such other things, not inconsistent with law, as are necessary to perform properly the functions vested in him.

Acts 1988, No. 488, §1, eff. July 9, 1988; Acts 1988, No. 762, §2, eff. July 15, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 272, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 71, §1, eff. July 1, 1998; Acts 2012, No. 866, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 2013; Acts 2016, No. 557, §2.