§742. Powers and duties of secretary of state

            In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the secretary of state by law, he shall:

            (1) Represent the public interest in the administration of this Chapter and shall be responsible to the legislature and the public therefor.

            (2) Employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as is necessary for the efficient administration of the department.

            (3) In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, make, alter, amend, and promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the administration and the functions of the department.

            (4) Organize, plan, supervise, direct, administer, execute and be responsible for the functions and programs vested in the department.

            (5) Make reports and recommendations on his own initiative or upon the request of the legislature, or any committee or member thereof.

            (6) Provide for the ongoing reorganization and consolidation of the department and submit a report thereon to the legislature, which report shall accompany the budget request which he submits under provisions of R.S. 39:33. Such report shall include a statement of the goals of the department and of the programs thereof and shall summarize the accomplishments of the department in meeting such goals and implementing such programs. The report shall also contain a specific statement of the reorganization and consolidation plan for the department for the next year and shall include a report on the implementation of such reorganization and consolidation plan for the previous year. The report concerning reorganization shall specifically detail the extent to which the department has achieved goals stated the previous year with respect to merger and consolidation of functions, consolidation of administrative and programmatic divisions of the department, elimination of job positions, and efficiency and economy in delivery of services. The report shall contain any recommendations with respect to reorganization which may require legislative action under the provisions of this Title. A copy of the report and recommended legislation shall also be submitted by the secretary of state to the presiding officer of each house of the legislature. The presiding officer shall refer the report to the appropriate committee having jurisdiction of the subject matter as provided in the rules of the respective house.

            (7) Be responsible for accounting and budget control, procurement and contract management, management and program analysis, data processing, personnel management, and grants management for the department.

            (8) Investigate allegations of election irregularities.

            (9) Do such other things, not inconsistent with law, as are necessary to perform properly the functions vested in him.

            (10)(a) On an annual basis, provide all of the following information to the legislature no later than fifteen days prior to the convening of each regular session:

            (i) A full organizational chart for the department which is current as of the date of submission to the legislature and which shows each staff position, whether filled or vacant, that comprises the department.

            (ii) The current salary of the person occupying each filled position shown on the organizational chart.

            (b) The secretary may submit the annual report required by this Paragraph in electronic format and is further authorized, but is not required, to submit the report at the time of submission of a report pursuant to Paragraph (5) of this Section.

            (11) Act as the chief protocol officer of the state of Louisiana. The secretary shall actively seek appropriate contacts with other officials in nations with which the state has or desires to have active trade, cultural, or educational relations and shall help facilitate the interchange of ideas and contacts for betterment of commerce, cultural exchange, or educational studies between such nations and the state.

            Added by Acts 1977, No. 83, §1, eff. June 22, 1977. Acts 1986, No. 740, §1; Acts 2004, No. 517, §1, eff. June 25, 2004; Acts 2013, No. 220, §14, eff. June 11, 2013; Acts 2016, No. 557, §2; Acts 2025, No. 185, §1.