2011 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 25 — Libraries, museums, and other scientific
RS 25:902 — Composition; qualifications; terms; vacancies; officers; meetings; expenses; reports

§902. Composition; qualifications; terms; vacancies; officers; meetings; expenses; reports

A. The committee shall be composed of at least nine but no more than thirteen members. The state historic preservation officer shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the senate, the members of the committee, each member to serve a term of three years; however, the first members appointed under the provisions of this Chapter shall serve staggered terms as follows: at least three members shall serve for a term of three years; at least three members shall serve for two years; and at least three members shall serve for one year. If the membership of the committee exceeds nine members, the terms of the additional members also shall be staggered three year terms and the initial terms shall be determined by the state historic preservation officer. The committee shall include one professional in each of the following disciplines: history, archaeology, architectural history, historical architecture and architecture, provided that the professional in archaeology shall be qualified in both prehistoric and historic archaeology, or an additional professional shall be appointed to the committee so that expertise in both prehistoric and historic archaeology will be represented. The state historic preservation officer shall determine what other professional disciplines or additional members are needed and appoint nonprofessional members with demonstrative interests or competence in historic preservation, provided that the majority of membership shall consist of professionals.

B. To be eligible for appointment to the committee as a professional in any of the above enumerated disciplines, an individual must possess the minimum qualifications for his or her respective discipline, as set out in this Subsection.

(1) History. The minimum professional qualifications in history are a graduate degree in history or closely related field, or a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related field plus one of the following: (a) at least two years of full time experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or (b) substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.

(2) Archaeology. The minimum professional qualifications in archaeology are a graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology or a closely related field, plus (a) at least one year of full time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management; (b) at least four months of supervised field analytic experience in general North American archaeology; and (c) demonstrated ability to carry research to completion. In addition to these minimum qualifications, a professional in prehistoric archaeology shall have at least one year of full time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the prehistoric period. A professional in historic archaeology shall have at least one year of full time experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the historic period.

(3) Architectural history. The minimum professional qualifications in architectural history are a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or a closely related field, with course work in American architectural history; or a bachelor's degree in architectural history with concentration in American architecture; or a bachelor's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or a closely related field plus one of the following: (a) at least two years of full time experience in research, writing, teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or (b) substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.

(4) Historical architecture. The minimum professional qualifications in historical architecture are a professional degree in architecture or a state license to practice architecture, plus one of the following: (a) at least one year of graduate study in architectural preservation, American architectural history, preservation planning, or a closely related field and at least one year of full time professional experience on preservation and restoration projects; or (b) at least two years of full time professional experience in preservation and restoration projects. Experience in preservation and restoration projects shall include detailed investigations of historic structures, preparation of historic structures, research reports, and preparations of plans and specifications for preservation projects.

(5) Architecture. The minimum professional qualifications in architecture are a professional degree in architecture plus at least two years of full time professional experience in architecture or a state license to practice architecture.

C. The seat of an appointed member which becomes vacant during the term of his appointment shall be filled by the state historic preservation officer for the remainder of the unexpired term. The seat of any appointed member who shall miss three consecutive duly called meetings of the committee shall be deemed vacant, and the vacancy shall be filled in the above described manner.

D. The members of the committee shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

E. The committee shall annually elect one of its members as chairman and shall provide for its internal organization in a manner designed to best implement and accomplish its duties.

F. The committee shall meet at least three times a year to consider and vote on matters which come before it. Special meetings shall be held on the call of the chairman or on request of a majority of members. Any six members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any and all business at any regular or special meeting. In the absence of the chairman, the remaining members may appoint a temporary chairman having all the powers of the absent chairman.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 661, §1, eff. July 18, 1979. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 288, §1, eff. July 12, 1980; Acts 2008, No. 263, §1.