2011 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 27 — Louisiana gaming control
RS 27:51 — Riverboat gaming commission

PART II. RIVERBOAT GAMING COMMISSION

§51. Riverboat Gaming Commission

A. There is hereby created in the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, public safety services, a gaming commission, to be known as the Riverboat Gaming Commission1. The commission shall have the powers and duties specified in this Chapter.

B. The commission shall consist of seven members appointed from the congressional districts, each of whom shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Louisiana. At least one member shall possess significant business experience or acumen. At least one member shall be a certified public accountant, and at least one member shall be a lawyer licensed to practice law in Louisiana. A member of the state legislature or a person holding an elected or appointed office in federal, state, or local government may not serve as a member of the commission. Unless specified otherwise in this Chapter, a majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the commission. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and at such times as the chairman may determine. The commission shall also meet upon a call of four or more members, upon seventy-two hour written notice to each member.

C. The commission members shall be appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Prior to appointing an individual, the governor shall request the division to conduct an inquiry into the individual's background, with particular regard to the individual's financial stability, integrity, responsibility, and reputation for good character.

D. Commission members shall serve three-year staggered terms. Of the initial appointees two members shall serve until December 31, 1992; two members shall serve until December 31, 1993; and three members shall serve until December 31, 1994. Members of the commission shall be eligible to be reappointed only once. Appointments to fill vacancies on the commission are for the unexpired term of the member to be replaced. If a vacancy has existed on the commission for more than sixty days, a majority of the full commission may appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the governor appoints a successor. A person shall not be appointed as a member of the commission if the person has ever been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

E. Each member of the commission shall devote the time necessary to carry out the duties and obligations of the office and may pursue or engage in another business, occupation, or gainful employment that is not in conflict with the duties of the commission.

F. A member of the commission may be removed from office by the governor for neglect of duty, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office, or after a conviction of, or pleading guilty or having pled nolo contendere to, an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

G. Each member of the commission is entitled to receive compensation of six thousand dollars per year, except for the chairman who is entitled to receive nine thousand dollars.

H. The commission shall annually elect from its membership one member to serve as chairman and one member to serve as vice chairman.

I.(1) The attorney general shall be responsible for providing administrative support and services to the commission, including secretarial and staff services and all office equipment and supplies. In addition, the attorney general may, at the request of the commission, employ such other agents and employees as the commission deems necessary for the performance of its powers and duties, specifically including but not limited to employment of or contracts with persons to provide legal, financial, engineering, and other professional services necessary or expedient in the conduct of the commission's affairs. The commission shall reimburse the attorney general for the reasonable cost of all services and support provided to the commission.

(2) Unless otherwise authorized in this Chapter, all contracts for goods and services shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Louisiana Procurement Code or other applicable procurement laws.

J.(1) A person shall not be appointed to or employed by the commission or division if, during the period commencing two years prior to the appointment or employment, that person held a direct or an indirect interest in a licensee or a permittee.

(2) Before appointment or employment, each member and employee of the commission, the supervisor, and each employee or agent of the division shall swear or affirm that the individual possesses no interest in an applicant, licensee, or permittee.

K. A quorum of the full commission shall determine an action of the commission. However, reversal or modification of an action or decision of the division shall require approval of four members of the commission.

L. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the existence of the commission shall begin only upon confirmation of a majority of the members by the Senate as provided by this Part. Until the time of such confirmation, no business shall be conducted on behalf of or by the commission.

Acts 1991, No. 753, §1, eff. July 18, 1991; Acts 1992, No. 516, §2, eff. June 25, 1992. Redesignated from R.S. 4:510 by Acts 1996, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 7, §3, eff. May 1, 1996.

1See R.S. 27:31(A)(2).