Opinions of the Attorney General are advisory only; they do not have the force and
effect of the law; and they are limited to the facts presented by the official or
officials requesting the opinion. Further, the opinions may be changed or recalled
due to subsequent court decisions and/or legislative enactments. As the chief legal
officer of the State, the Attorney General is responsible for rendering opinions
to governmental entities and officers only, and not to private individuals.
The Attorney General will render written opinions to:
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The governor and other elected and appointed state officers, as required by law,
upon all legal questions relating to state law.
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The members of the Legislature on matters that relate to state law. No opinion will
be given on proposed or pending legislation unless requested by the President of
the Senate or Speaker of the House of Representatives, or a committee of those houses.
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State departments, state boards, state commissions or state officers upon all legal
questions pertaining to state law as it applies to their entirety or requests from
or on behalf of boards or commissions must be initiated by a resolution adopted
by the membership.
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District attorneys in matters relating to state law. In addition, the Attorney General
will consult with and advise the district attorneys in matters relating to the duties
of their offices.
The Attorney General also may render written opinions to the governing authority
of a local political subdivision, its officers or attorneys, but only upon the submission
of a resolution adopted by the governing authority. Opinions may be rendered to
the officers of a local governmental subdivision such as a mayor, a president of
a parish home rule form of government, sheriffs, clerks of court, assessors, coroners,
or registrars of voters on matters relating to their official duties.
The Attorney General will not furnish opinions to private individuals or entities
except under extraordinary circumstances. |