:: Division of Administrative Law Executive Summary


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 The DAL provides fair and impartial administrative hearings for Louisiana citizens
with respect for the dignity of individuals and their due process rights.
LSA-R.S. 49:991-999.1
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 Created by Acts 1995, No. 739 and began operation on October 1, 1996, for the
fair and prompt resolution of disputes between state agencies and private parties.
Provides a neutral forum in which Louisianians can voice grievances and challenges
to state agency actions.
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 Structurally independent from agencies that have an interest in the outcome of
disputes. Ex parte communications with ALJs are prohibited.
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 Cost-effective diversion of legal challenges to state agency actions from the courts
to the administrative setting.
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 Centralization of adjudications in DAL avoids duplication of effort among state agencies.
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 Administrative Law Judges are professionally trained to be subject matter specialists
in administrative procedure and DAL provides such expertise to state agencies.
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Promotes public trust in state government by ensuring state agency compliance with
statutes and rules. Promotes integrity in the operation of state agencies by
application of statutes and published rules in an impartial and legally correct
manner.
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Handles thousands of cases from all Louisiana parishes, in which licenses and large sums of state and private funds are at issue.
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Adjudicates sensitive issues impacting the rights of state agencies, business
entities and private citizens. For example, disputes involving drivers’ licenses,
environmental protection, insurance and licensure of professionals.
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DAL is insulated from political interference in case outcomes through the
statutory appointment of the Director for a six year term.
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DAL is an Executive branch agency. DAL has authorized 63 employees
including 36 Administrative Law Judges.
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Main office is in Baton Rouge and manned field offices are located in New Orleans, Shreveport and Lafayette.
DAL is prepared to conduct hearings in any Louisiana location.