NOTE: This provision of law was included in the Unconstitutional Statutes Biennial Report to the Legislature, dated March 14, 2016.

§1988. Complaints

A. Complaints regarding certification of enterprises may be submitted and shall be processed according to rules and regulations adopted by the division pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.

B. Any individual, firm, agency, or other person who believes that an enterprise certified as a minority business enterprise or as a women's business enterprise does not qualify under the standards of eligibility for certification may file a complaint with the division.

C. The division shall investigate each complaint as promptly as resources allow. In no event shall the investigation period, from the time of receipt of a complaint to the time of completion of the investigation, exceed sixty days. The enterprise shall cooperate fully in the investigation. The division shall notify the enterprise of the complaint by certified mail, return receipt requested. No enterprise shall be decertified based on a complaint without first having an opportunity to respond to the complaint. Failure of the enterprise to respond to the complaint within twenty calendar days of mailing from the division may result in suspension of certification or decertification.

D. The executive director may, at his discretion, suspend the certification of the enterprise pending the outcome of the investigation after providing the enterprise seven calendar days' notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to show cause in writing why the suspension of certification should not occur. No suspension shall last more than sixty calendar days.

E. After the investigation is completed, the division shall issue a written decision either rejecting the complaint or revoking the certification. The written decision shall be mailed to the enterprise involved and to the complainant, if known.

Acts 1984, No. 653, §1, eff. July 1, 1984; Acts 1992, No. 797, §2, eff. July 1, 1992.