Authority:

Article X, Section 21 of the Louisiana Constitution mandated that the legislature enact a code of ethics for officials and employees of this state and its political subdivisions, the legislature does hereby enact a Code of Governmental Ethics.

It is essential to the proper operation of democratic government that elected officials and public
employees be independent and impartial; that governmental decisions and policy be made in the proper channel of the governmental structure; that public office and employment not be used for private gain other than the remuneration provided by law; and that there be public confidence in the integrity of government. The attainment of one or more of these ends is impaired when a conflict exists between the private interests of an elected official or a public employee and his duties as such. The public interest, therefore, requires that the law protect against such conflicts of interest and that it establish appropriate ethical standards with respect to the conduct of elected officials and public employees without creating unnecessary barriers to public service..