La. R.S. 36:626.1

There may be a confidential assistant to the commissioner, who shall be appointed by the commissioner with consent of the Senate and who shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner at a salary fixed by the commissioner, which salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session. The duties and functions of the confidential assistant to the commissioner shall be determined and assigned by the commissioner. If appointed, he shall serve as acting commissioner in the absence of the commissioner and the deputy commissioner.