2013 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific
RS 25:802 - Powers and duties

§802. Powers and duties

A. The director shall be responsible for all functions of the state of Louisiana affecting art, historical and cultural development which provide such services for the people of this state as provided for in this Chapter, including all functions of the state heretofore or hereafter vested in and administered, managed, operated, and maintained by the following boards, commissions, councils, departments, and agencies:

(1) Louisiana Art Commission (R.S. 25:301-306);

(2) Board of Commissioners of Louisiana Arts and Sciences Center (R.S. 25:571-584);

(3), (4) Repealed by Acts 2012, No. 811, §17, eff. July 1, 2012.

(5) Louisiana Historical Preservation and Cultural Commission (R.S. 25:521-527);

(6) Board of Directors of the Louisiana State Museum (R.S. 25:341 to R.S. 25:347);

(7) Old Arsenal Museum (R.S. 25:551-553);

(8) Old State Capitol Memorial Commission (Act 250 of 1948; Act 233 of 1954);

(9) Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission (R.S. 25:381-382);

(10), (11) Repealed by Acts 2012, No. 811, §17, eff. July 1, 2012.

(12) Clinton Confederate Memorial Cemetery;

(13) Jackson Confederate Memorial Cemetery;

(14) Confederate Memorial Hall (Const. Art. 18, §4).

B. In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the director by the provisions of this Chapter, the director shall have and exercise the power and authority to:

(1) Represent the public interest in the administration of this Chapter.

(2) Create, in his discretion, one or more advisory councils, composed of not less than five nor more than fifteen members, appointed by the director to serve at his pleasure without compensation, or per diem, except the members may, at the discretion of the director, be compensated for actual expenses incurred in the performance of such duties as may be prescribed by the director. Each council so appointed shall act solely in an advisory capacity to the director and assistant director to advise and make recommendations. The council shall not perform any administrative or executive duties, nor shall it make any determination with reference to any specific procedural matter of departmental policy. Each member of the board shall be a citizen and registered voter of this state and shall be qualified for such position by demonstrated interest in and knowledge of art, and historical and cultural preservation.

(3) Make and publish an annual report and such special reports as it considers desirable to the governor and to the legislature regarding the administration of this Chapter.

(4) Accept all donations and legacies, under any and all titles whatsoever, which may be made by private or public instrument of writing by will or codicil or in any other manner; provided, that the title to any property, real or personal, donated to and accepted for the use of the department shall vest in and belong to the state of Louisiana, for the sole and exclusive use and benefit of the state.

(5) Make, alter, amend and promulgate rules and regulations not inconsistent with the law.

(6) Adopt a seal.

(7) Establish and operate a program of preservation, maintenance and restoration of historic buildings and monuments. Acquire by lease, purchase or donation real or personal property which are landmarks or historical objects.

(8) Maintain the site and records with respect to the Camp Moore Memorial Cemetery, the Clinton Confederate Memorial Cemetery and the Jackson Confederate Memorial Cemetery.

(9) Establish, operate and maintain a program to stimulate interest in and appreciation of Louisiana art, architecture and historical preservation.

(10) Manage and supervise, through the assistant director, the Louisiana State Museum custody and operation of the Cabildo, the Presbytere, the Lower Pontalba Building, the Creole House, the Jackson House, the former United States Branch Mint Building, the Old State Arsenal, Madame John's Legacy, the Confederate Memorial Hall and other museums hereafter established.

(11) Supervise and exercise general administrative control over the old arsenal and assist in the maintenance and preservation of the old arsenal.

(12) Manage and supervise the old state capitol memorial and establish and maintain a museum therein, and provide free office space for the state headquarters of each federally chartered veterans organization therein.

(13) Authorize research on the historical and architectural background of homes and select homes which are landmarks in Orleans Parish.

(14) Establish, manage and operate a french language television broadcasting facility in conjunction with the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

(15) Construct, acquire, repair and maintain a weapons museum and supervise and administer the museum building and grounds.

(16) Provide for the perpetual care of the statue of Edward Douglas White, the late chief justice of the United States of America.

(17) Establish standards and criteria for acquisition, preservation, maintenance, and operation of properties acquired by the agency.

(18) Be directed to undertake a statewide survey to identify and document historic properties under both public and private ownership and report to the legislature at the next legislative regular session with the progress and/or finished report.

(19) Authorize the entry upon private lands to make surveys and examinations with the permission of the owner.

(20) Prepare and maintain an official state register of historic places including all those on the national register and those to be named to the national register.

(21) Participate in international conferences and preservation programs.

(22) Authorize publication and advertisements to stimulate state interest.

(23) Authorize the hiring of a professional staff to aid the agency in the task of preserving historical monuments and landmarks.

(24) Create and establish one or more state historical trusts in accordance with the provisions of Section 812 of this Title.

Added by Acts 1972, No. 425, §1, operative Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 592, §3, eff. Aug. 1, 1975, Acts 1976, No. 396, §1, eff. July 31, 1976; Acts 2012, No. 811, §17, eff. July 1, 2012.