Louisiana Revised Statute (R.S.) 18:441 establishes the criteria for recognition of a political party in the state of Louisiana. R.S. 18:442 provides that each recognized political party shall be controlled and directed by a central committee on the state level; and an executive committee on the parish level.
R.S 18:447 and 464 allow these state and parish committees to collect various sources of revenues (such as donations and qualifying fees) for their operations; and requires that the receipt and expenditure of these funds be reported annually to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA).
Pursuant to R.S. 18:464 (F), LLA has developed financial statement forms that the state and parish committees may use to report their financial activity to LLA. These financial statement forms are available on LLA’s website. Alternatively, any of the state or parish committees may provide audited financial statements to LLA if they choose.
Questions:
- When are parish executive committee and state central committee reports due to LLA?
- If a state central committee or a parish executive committee chooses to provide for an audit, does LLA require that the audit be performed by a CPA firm on LLA’s approved list?
- If a state central committee or a parish executive committee chooses to provide for an audit; does LLA approve the engagement between the committee and their auditor?
- If a state central committee or a parish executive committee chooses to provide for an audit, does LLA require that the audit be performed in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards?
- Are the audit and other reports of state central committees and parish executive committees published as public documents by LLA?