LA R.S 42:1102 and 42:1170
A. Whereas the people of the state of Louisiana have in 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 legislative does hereby enact a Code of Governmental Ethics.
B. 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 govermental 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 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. It is the purpose of this Code to implement these policies and objectives.
All St. Bernard Parish Library emplyees and Library Board members are bound by the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics (http://ethics.la.gov/).
The goals of this Code are:
- To ensure the public confidence in the integrity of government
- To ensure the independence and impartiality of elected officials and public employees
- To ensure that governmental decisions and policy are made in the proper channel of the government structure
- To ensure that public office and employment are not use for private gain
All St. Bernard Parish Library employees and Library Board of Control members are required to take one hour of training per calendar year on the Code of Governmental Ethics pursuant to LA R.S. 42:1170A. Failure to comply carries fines of $50 a day for non-compliance. As a local governmental agency. St. Bernard Parish Library is required to provide to the Louisiana Legislative Auditors during its annual audit a complete list of employees and Board of Control members along with documentation that each individual has completed the annual Ethics Training.
When the annual training is complete, a copy of the completion certificate will be help on file.
Policy approved and adopted, September 16, 2019, Library Board of Control meeting.