§722. Powers and duties of Public Service Commission

In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the Public Service Commission, it shall:

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

(2) Employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as is necessary for the efficient administration of the department.

(3) In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, make, alter, amend, and promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the administration and the functions of the department.

(4) Organize, plan, supervise, direct, administer, execute, and be responsible for the functions and programs vested in the department.

(5) Make reports and recommendations on its own initiative or upon the request of the legislature, or any committee or member thereof; however, the commission shall not include within the reports and recommendations submitted, or otherwise issue, publish or distribute general information documents or pamphlets, which are published on a regular basis and are generally known as newsletters.

(6) Provide for the ongoing reorganization and consolidation of the department and submit a report thereon to the legislature, which report shall accompany the budget request which it submits under provisions of R.S. 39:33. Such report shall include a statement of the goals of the department and of 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 administrative and programmatic divisions of the department, 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. A copy of the report and recommended legislation shall also be submitted by the commission to the presiding officer of each house 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.

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

(8)(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 commission 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 (5) of this Section.

Added by Acts 1977, No. 83, §1, eff. June 22, 1977. Acts 1986, No. 743, §1; Acts 2013, No. 220, §14, eff. June 11, 2013; Acts 2016, No. 557, §2.