In 2001, the Louisiana Uniform Electronic Transactions Act was adopted. The intent of this act was to remove existing barriers to allow businesses to conduct business by electronic means. Under this act, a record, signature, or contract cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form or an electronic record was used in its formation. Also, if the law requires a record to be in writing or a signature, an electronic record or signature satisfies the requirement.
Here are the details of the law:
RS 9:2607 Legal recognition of electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic contracts
- A record or signature may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form.
- A contract may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because an electronic record was used in its formation.
- If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record satisfies the law.
- If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law.
Acts 2001, No. 244, §1, eff. July 1, 2001.
http://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=107133
I think that any state agency cannot require you to keep paper copies of applications and associated documentation. But, I am not a lawyer. If you are looking at going paperless I would suggest that you contact your legal counsel and also your funders.
Here is an article on this subject by CAPLAW: CAPLAW on going paperless