Committee backs resolution supporting state bill that would enable St. Tammany to create local ethics entities; council to weigh funding and scope

A St. Tammany Parish council committee on Oct. 12 voted to send Resolution C‑7086 to the full council. The resolution expresses support for state legislation by Representative Stephanie Berault that would add St. Tammany to a list of parishes eligible to establish local ethics entities, such as an ethics review board or an office of inspector general (OIG).

Committee members debated scope, authority and funding. Councilwoman Cheryl Tanner said she supports the concept only if voters approve the entity and a funding mechanism is attached; she expressed concern that the parish’s budget is much smaller than those of larger parishes that operate OIGs. Councilman Coogel offered language clarifying that the state change would permit "local ethics entities, including but not limited to an ethics review board or office of Inspector General," and not mandate the creation of an OIG. Legal staff and other members explained the change in state law would only authorize the parish to establish such an entity; creating any office would still require further local steps, including potential charter amendments, ordinance drafting and decisions about subpoena or investigative powers.

Committee members discussed whether an OIG would have subpoena power automatically or whether the parish would need additional statutory language and local charter changes to grant full investigative authority. Emily, a staff legal advisor, advised that Representative Berault’s bill would likely need to include specific language if the parish sought standalone subpoena authority similar to larger parishes.

Members also noted that the measure would not automatically apply to independent entities operating in the parish (for example, school boards or sheriff's offices) where the parish lacks jurisdiction; extending coverage to those entities would require separate consent or further legal change. Several members recommended that the Home Rule Charter Committee examine structural and funding questions before the council commits to a specific model.

The committee approved a motion to refer the resolution, with amendments combining Councilmember Coogel’s clarifying language and Councilwoman Tanner’s proposal to present voter‑funding and charter issues to the full council. Motion: Miss Tanner; second: Mister Coogel. Voice vote: all in favor.

The referral sends the resolution and the proposed amendments to the full council, where members said they expect further debate on funding, subpoena powers and which local entities would be covered if a local ethics entity is created.