House Bill No. [insert number] proposes significant changes to the structure and authority of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) by transferring it from the office of the governor to the Military Department of Louisiana. The bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 29 and R.S. 36, to reflect this transition. Notably, it repeals the provision that previously placed GOHSEP within the governor's office and instead establishes it as a state agency within the Military Department. The director of GOHSEP will now be employed by and report directly to the adjutant general, who will also determine the director's salary.

Additionally, the bill modifies the employment structure within GOHSEP, allowing the director to employ deputies and assistants rather than appointing them, and it changes the leadership of the office of interoperability to be determined by the director rather than being headed by a designated assistant deputy director. These changes aim to streamline the operations of GOHSEP and enhance its effectiveness in managing homeland security and emergency preparedness in the state.

Statutes affected:
HB274 Original: 29:1(B), 29:722(A)(1), 29:724(B)(3), 29:725(A), 29:726(A), 36:4(B)(7), 36:4(B)(3)