§3483. Misuse of funds; withholding of distribution; notification of district attorney

A.(1) If, on the basis of the report of the legislative auditor, or from its own investigation, the Legislative Audit Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as the "council", determines that there has been a misuse by a recipient governmental entity of funds from the program, it shall then determine whether a partial or total withholding of the governmental entity's appropriation for any remaining portion of the current fiscal year shall be necessary. Should the council determine that it is necessary to withhold all or any part of the governmental entity's appropriation, the council shall send notification of its determination to the co-chairmen of the joint committee and to each member of the legislature who represents any portion of the governmental entity.

(2) If, thirty days after the co-chairmen and the members of the legislature are notified, the council determines that the misuse has not yet ceased, the council shall, by written resolution, instruct the state treasurer to immediately suspend distributions to the governmental entity of funds appropriated for the program. The suspension of funds shall remain in effect until the Legislative Audit Advisory Council verifies, in writing, to the state treasurer that the offending entity is again in compliance with this Chapter. Such written verification shall be given when the legislative auditor certifies to the council that, to the best of his knowledge, the entity is in compliance with this Chapter or, in the absence of said certification, when the council determines that the entity is in compliance with this Chapter. Upon receipt of the council's written verification, the state treasurer shall reinstate the distribution of funds and distribute all funds previously withheld to the affected recipient governmental entity.

(3) The council shall report any action it has taken with regard to the suspension of funds to the joint committee and to the legislature at the next regular session, along with any recommendations it may have for forfeiture of suspended funds by those entities that are still in noncompliance with this Chapter. Forfeiture of funds can be authorized only by the legislature.

B. In any case where there has been a determination made by the council that there has been a misuse by a recipient governmental entity of funds appropriated for the program, the council shall furnish a copy of the written resolution directing the state treasurer to withhold funds, to the district attorney of the parish or parishes where the misuse of funds occurred. The district attorney shall, within thirty days, advise the chairman of the council as to action he has taken or proposes to take in connection with the misuse of funds cited in the resolution. Where future action is proposed by the district attorney, the council shall set a date for receipt of further advice in the matter. Where such advice is not forthcoming from the district attorney, or where it is evident that suitable action has not been taken, the council shall report the matter to the joint committee and to the legislature at its next regular session for whatever action the joint committee and the legislature deems advisable under the circumstances.

Acts 2017, No. 382, §1, eff. July 1, 2017.