Louisiana § RS 42:4 - Public officers appointed by the governor
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 42:4 — Public officers appointed by the governor, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 42:4. Public officers appointed by the governor
A.(1) Except as otherwise provided by law, all public officers who are appointed by the governor shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.
(2) Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to officers appointed by the governor upon recommendation or from lists submitted by others where the law requires appointments to be so made, nor to those whose terms of office are fixed by the constitution and those who are required by the constitution to be appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate.
B.(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governor may appoint the chairman or the presiding member of each board and commission so long as both of the following criteria apply:
(a) The majority of the members of the board or commission are members of the board or commission by virtue of gubernatorial appointment.
(b) The appointment of the chairman or the presiding member is not otherwise prohibited by the Constitution of Louisiana.
(2) If the governor appoints the chairman or the presiding member of a board or commission, then the appointment shall be from among the membership of that board or commission.
(3) The governor shall submit the name of persons appointed pursuant to this Subsection to the Senate for confirmation.
(4) A chairman or presiding member of a board or commission appointed by the governor pursuant to this Subsection and confirmed by the Senate serves in that position at the pleasure of the governor.
(5) Until the governor appoints a chairman or presiding member of a board or commission pursuant to this Subsection, a board or commission may select its chairman or presiding member in the manner otherwise provided by law or in its rules, regulations, or bylaws.
C. The provisions of Subsection B of this Section shall not apply to any board or commission that as of May 1, 2024, is chaired by a statewide elected official.
Acts 1950, No. 68, §3. Amended by Acts 1950, 2nd Ex.Sess., No. 22, §1; Acts 1992, No. 447, §4; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2024, No. 491, §1, eff. June 5, 2024.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 42:4
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 42:4 cover?
Section RS 42:4 ("Public officers appointed by the governor") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 42:4?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 42:4" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 42:4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.