Opinion Number

Dear Mr. Cason:

You have requested an Attorney General's opinion as to whether or not a teacher may be given a monetary award for having perfect attendance for a given school year.

It is the opinion of our office that this type of award would be considered a bonus. The loaning, pledging, or donating the funds of the state or political subdivisions is prohibited by Article VII, Section 14(A) of the Louisiana Constitution (1974). Article VII, Section 14(A) states:

Prohibited uses. Except as otherwise provided by this constitution, the funds, credit, property, or things of value of the state or of…