Dear Representative Triche:
This office is in receipt of your verbal opinion request of this date directed to Attorney General Richard P. Ieyoub.
You ask whether the Dual-Officeholding and Dual-Employment statutory provisions governing the simultaneous holding of certain positions would permit you to hold your position as legislator while holding employment as Assistant Professor of Nicholls State University. We conclude that an exemption within these provisions is applicable to your situation and that it is permissible for your to hold both positions concurrently.
Under LSA-R.S. 42:63, a person holding an elective office in the government of this state is prohibited from holding employment in the government of this state. LSA-R.S. 42:63(C) provides:
C. No person holding an elective office in the government of this state shall at the same time hold another elective office, a full-time appointive office, or employment in the government of this state or in the government of a political subdivision thereof.
There is an exemption which allows an individual employed in a professional educational capacity to hold an elective office. LSA-R.S. 42:66(B) provides:
B. Nothing in this Part shall be construed to prevent a school teacher or person employed in a professional educational capacity in a grade school, high school, other educational institution, parish or city school board from holding at the same time an elective or appointive office.
As you presently teach nine hours a semester, this office is of the opinion that you are employed in a professional educational capacity as provided by law.
Based on these facts, we determine that you may continue to hold your position as state legislator while employed as the Assistant Professor of Nicholls State University.
Very truly yours,
RICHARD P. IEYOUB ATTORNEY GENERAL
BY: _______________________________ KERRY L. KILPATRICK ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL
Date Received:
Date Released:
KERRY L. KILPATRICK ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL