§505. Deputy secretary; functions; office of transformation

            A. There shall be a deputy secretary of the department, who shall be appointed by the governor and shall serve as the appointing authority for the office of transformation. He shall serve at the pleasure of the governor at a salary fixed by the governor, which salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session. The duties and functions of the deputy secretary shall be to oversee the office of transformation which shall include all duties, responsibilities, and authorities necessary and lawful to optimize the department and those otherwise assigned by the secretary. He shall serve as acting secretary in the absence of the secretary.

            B. If the position of deputy secretary is not filled during the absence of the secretary, the secretary may designate either the undersecretary or the assistant secretary for project delivery to serve as acting secretary in his absence. The secretary shall notify the governor in writing of his temporary appointment of an acting secretary in his absence. The governor shall have the full authority to revoke the appointment. In no event shall the temporary appointment exceed thirty days in length, except with the specific written approval of the governor. The governor may appoint a temporary secretary to act in the absence or incapacity of the secretary if an acting secretary has not been appointed.

            C. The deputy secretary shall assess all of the department's reports and submit one single report to the legislature annually.

            Acts 1988, No. 488, §1, eff. July 9, 1988; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 71, §1, eff. July 1, 1998; Acts 2025, No. 375, §1.