This section establishes the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, places it under the state museum office, and says the office must provide sufficient operating funds unless state funds are not specifically appropriated.
§353. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum A. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is established as a museum, hereafter referred to in this Section as "museum", under the jurisdiction of the office of the state museum of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and domiciled in Natchitoches, Louisiana. B. The purposes of the museum shall include: (1) Preserve and maintain the names and accomplishments of outstanding Louisiana athletes and sports personalities. (2) Honor individuals inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame whose achievements in sports have brought distinction to themselves and to the state of Louisiana. (3) Establish and maintain a permanent archive for the collection and display of memorabilia related to the lives and careers of sports legends who are elected for induction to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. (4) Preserve and present the history and culture of Northwest Louisiana. C. A nonprofit organization established to support the programs and activities of the museum may: (1) Maintain the property of the hall of fame and all portraits, memorabilia, and collections contained in the museum. (2) Provide for the nomination process for and election of inductees to the hall of fame. (3) Retain and expend any self-generated revenues derived from the activities of the hall of fame as specified by cooperative agreement pursuant to R.S. 25:342(D), including the annual induction ceremony to the hall of fame. D. The office of the state museum shall provide sufficient funds for the operation of the museum facilities as set forth in this Section; however, the office of the state museum shall have no obligation nor make any provision for such operation unless state funds are specifically appropriated for this purpose. Acts 2003, No. 1205, §1, eff. July 3, 2003; Acts 2025, No. 450, §1. NOTE: See Acts 2003, No. 1205, §4, relative to initial members of the Friends of the La. Sports Hall of Fame.