TITLE 17. EDUCATION

CHAPTER 24-A. PROPRIETARY SCHOOLS

17:3141.18      Investigation of complaints;  hearings;  administrative enforcement;  judicial review

A. Based on information gathered from its investigation of complaints as provided for in R.S. 17:3141.3(D)(2)(b), the commission shall determine whether a violation has occurred.  The commission shall send a notice of the violation to the school or to the solicitor specifying the standard violated, the remedy proposed, and the procedure by which an administrative hearing may be requested.

B. For purposes of an investigation or hearing, the commission may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any records which the commission deems relevant or material to the investigation or hearing.

C. In the event that a party fails or refuses to obey a subpoena or to comply with a request for information, the Board of Regents or the commission may make application to the Nineteenth Judicial District Court, which shall have jurisdiction to issue an order requiring the party involved to appear before the board, to produce evidence, or to give testimony touching on the matter under consideration.  Any failure to obey such an order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.

D. Following an opportunity for a hearing, the commission shall transmit its findings to the board.  The board shall review the findings of the commission and shall render a written decision.  The board shall consider the record of proceedings conducted before the board and may accept, reject, or modify the recommendations of the commission and may provide for corrective action including but not limited to restitution orders and fines, which fines shall not exceed five hundred dollars per violation.

E. Any party aggrieved by any decision or order of the commission or Board of Regents may seek judicial review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

F. No cause of action shall exist against any student who in good faith makes a report, cooperates in the investigation by the commission, or participates in judicial proceedings, and each student shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.  This immunity from liability shall not extend to any person who makes a report known to be false or with reckless disregard for the truth of the report.

Added by Acts 1991, No. 844, § 1, eff. July 23, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., No. 151, § 1, eff. July 1, 1999;  Acts 2006, No. 223, § 1, eff. June 2, 2006.