Reinforcing the fundamental value of transparency in governance, the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Central Louisiana citizen who challenged violations of the state's Open Meetings Law. The decision reversed a Third Circuit Court of Appeal ruling and reinstated the trial court's judgment voiding actions taken by the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority (GAEDA) at an improperly noticed meeting.

COS attorneys, Jonathan D. Stokes and Jacob R. Joffrion, represented the petitioner in this matter, which centered on whether Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) counts as a legal holiday when calculating the 24-hour notice period required under Louisiana's Open Meetings Law.

Under the Open Meetings Law, public bodies must provide written notice at least 24 hours before any meeting, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The dispute began when GAEDA, a public body, rescheduled a regular meeting from a Tuesday to the preceding Monday (Washington's Birthday), with notice not provided until late Friday afternoon before the rescheduled meeting. During the meeting, the board approved a multi-year employment contract for a permanent executive director position. Concerned about the lack of proper notice, a member of the public filed suit seeking to void all actions taken at the improperly noticed meeting.

The Ninth Judicial District Court, presided over by Judge Monique F. Rauls, ruled in favor of the petitioner, finding that Washington's Birthday is a legal holiday under Louisiana Revised Statute 1:55(A) and must be excluded when calculating the notice period. The court voided all actions taken at the meeting, including approval of the executive director agreement.
The Third Circuit Court of Appeal reversed the district court’s decision, holding that Washington's Birthday only qualifies as a legal holiday if the Governor proclaims it "observed" for state offices. Attorneys Stokes and Joffrion sought review from the Louisiana Supreme Court, arguing that this interpretation contradicted the plain language of the statute and undermined the Legislature's intent to ensure meaningful public notice.

The Louisiana Supreme Court granted the writ application and reversed the Third Circuit, reinstating the trial court judgment. The Court held that Washington's Birthday is a legal holiday for purposes of Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure article 5059 and must be excluded when computing the twenty-four hour notice required by the Open Meetings Law.
The ruling provides guidance for parish policy juries, school boards, special districts, and other public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Law across Louisiana. The attorneys at Chadwick, Odom & Stokes are proud to have represented their client in securing this victory.