DavidBordelon

Subject: Meeting: DavidBordelon

Location: LouisianaStateCapitol
Start: Tue4/15/202510:00AM
End: Tue4/15/202510:30AM
Recurrence:( none)
MeetingStatus: Accepted
Organizer: GOVScheduling
RequiredAttendees:DavidBordelon; AngeliqueFreel; BrettRobinson (GOV);KyleRuckert; MillardMule;EmilyAndrews
OptionalAttendees:StephenM.Gele

GoodMorning-wearemovingthe attheCapitol.

Thankyou

Notice:
Thistransmissionmaycontainprivilegedandconfidentialinformation. Itisintendedonlyfortheuseoftheperson(s)
namedabove.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,youarenotifiedthatanyreview,dissemination, distribution,or
duplicationofthiscommunicationisstrictlyprohibited.

1
DavidBordelon
From: DavidBordelon
Sent: Tuesday, April15,202511:47AM
To: StephenM.Gelé -Smith & Fawer,LLC (stephen@gb-lawfirm.com)
Subject: EthicsBills
Attachments: HB397Original -DMBNotes.pdf

Herearemynoteson397.
Also,takealookatSB183,whichessentiallyexpands1111C(2)(d)andcriminalizesit.

DAVIDM.BORDELON
EthicsAdministrator
LouisianaBoardofEthics
th
LasalleBuilding,10Floor
617N.ThirdStreet (70802)
P.O.Box4368 (70821)
BatonRouge,Louisiana
Office:225.219.5600
Direct:225.219.5611
TollFree:1-800-842-6630

DISCLAIMER: Thecontentofthismessageisforinformationpurposesonlyanddoesnotconstituteanadvisoryopinion
oftheBoardofEthics. IfyouwouldliketorequestanadvisoryopinionfromtheLouisianaBoardofEthics,pleaserefer
tohttp://www.ethics.state.la.us/BoardProcedures.aspxforinformationaboutsubmittingarequestforanadvisory
opinion.

PRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIALCOMMUNICATION: DONOTread,copy,ordisseminatethiscommunicationunless
youaretheintendedrecipient. Thiscommunicationmaycontaininformationthatisprivileged,confidential,and
exemptfromdisclosureunderapplicablelaw. Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,youareonnoticethatany
unauthorizeddisclosure,copyingdistribution, ortakingofanyactioninrelianceonthecontentsoftheelectronically
transmittedmaterialsisprohibited. Ifyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,pleasecallusimmediatelyat
225)219-5600andasktospeaktothesenderofthecommunication. Also,pleasenotifyusimmediatelyviae-mailif
youhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror.

1
DavidBordelon
From: StephenGele <sgele@smithfawer.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March19,20259:41AM
To: GOVScheduling; DavidBordelon;AngeliqueFreel; BrettRobinson (GOV);KyleRuckert
Subject: Re:Meeting: DavidBordelon

EXTERNALEMAIL:Pleasedonotclickonlinksorattachmentsunlessyouknowthecontentissafe.

Hello:
Stephen@gb-lawfirm.comisStephenGelé'semailaddress.Hehasnoaccesstothisoneandit
willsoonbeshutdowncompletelyasheisnolongerwithSmith & Fawer. Pleasereplacein
yourcontacts.
Ihaveforwardedyourinvitetohim,butwantedtomakesureyouhadthecorrectaddress
goingforward.
Thanks!
Smith & Fawer

1
DavidBordelon
From: StephenM.Gele <stephen@gb-lawfirm.com>
Sent: Friday,February21,20253:57PM
To: AngeliqueFreel
Cc: EmilyAndrews; BrettRobinson (GOV);MillardMule; MonicaReed (Governor'sOffice);DavidBordelon
Subject: Re:BoardofEthicsMeeting

EXTERNALEMAIL:Pleasedonotclickonlinksorattachmentsunlessyouknowthecontentissafe.

Tuesday, February25at2:00PMisalsobestforme.

StephenM.Gelé
650PoydrasSt.,Ste.2615
NewOrleans, LA70130
M:504-237-6399
P:504-648-1858
F:504-561-0599

From: AngeliqueFreel <Angelique.Freel@la.gov>

Date: Friday,February21,2025at3:50PM
To:DavidBordelon <David.Bordelon@la.gov>
Cc:EmilyAndrews <Emily.Andrews@la.gov>,BrettRobinson (GOV) <Brett.Robinson2@la.gov>,StephenM.
Gele <stephen@gb-lawfirm.com>,MillardMule <Millard.Mule@LA.GOV>,MonicaReed (Governor'sOffice)
Monica.Reed2@la.gov>
Subject: Re:BoardofEthicsMeeting

SentfrommyiPhone

OnFeb21,2025,at3:34PM,DavidBordelon <David.Bordelon@la.gov>wrote:

Tuesday2/25at2pmisbestforme.

DAVIDM.BORDELON
EthicsAdministrator
LouisianaBoardofEthics
th
LasalleBuilding,10Floor
1
617N.ThirdStreet (70802)
P.O.Box4368 (70821)
BatonRouge, Louisiana
Office:225.219.5600
Direct:225.219.5611
TollFree:1-800-842-6630

DISCLAIMER: Thecontentofthismessageisforinformationpurposesonlyanddoesnotconstitutean
advisoryopinionoftheBoardofEthics. Ifyouwouldliketorequestanadvisoryopinionfromthe
LouisianaBoardofEthics,pleaserefertohttp://www.ethics.state.la.us/BoardProcedures.aspxfor
informationaboutsubmittingarequestforanadvisoryopinion.

PRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIALCOMMUNICATION: DONOTread,copy,ordisseminatethis
communicationunlessyouaretheintendedrecipient. Thiscommunicationmaycontaininformation
thatisprivileged,confidential,andexemptfromdisclosureunderapplicablelaw. Ifyouarenotthe
intendedrecipient,youareonnoticethatanyunauthorizeddisclosure, copyingdistribution, ortakingof
anyactioninrelianceonthecontentsoftheelectronicallytransmittedmaterialsisprohibited. Ifyou
havereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,pleasecallusimmediatelyat (225)219-5600andaskto
speaktothesenderofthecommunication. Also,pleasenotifyusimmediatelyviae-mailifyouhave
receivedthiscommunicationinerror.

From: EmilyAndrews <Emily.Andrews@la.gov>

Sent: Friday,February21,20253:03PM
To:DavidBordelon <David.Bordelon@la.gov>;AngeliqueFreel <Angelique.Freel@la.gov>;Brett
Robinson (GOV) <Brett.Robinson2@la.gov>;stephen@gb-lawfirm.com
Cc:MillardMule <Millard.Mule@LA.GOV>;MonicaReed (Governor'sOffice) <Monica.Reed2@la.gov>
Subject: BoardofEthicsMeeting

Please letmeknowwhatdatesyouareavailabletodiscussBoardofEthicslegislation.Themeetingwill

Tuesday,February25at2:00PM
Wednesday, February26at2:00PM
Thursday,February27at1:00PM

image001.png> EmilyAndrews
SpecialCounsel
OfficeofGovernorJeffLandry
Phone: (225)342-7015
www.Louisiana.gov

Notice:
Thistransmissionmaycontainprivilegedandconfidentialinformation.Itisintendedonlyfortheuseof
theperson(s)namedabove.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,youarenotifiedthatanyreview,
dissemination, distribution,orduplicationofthiscommunicationisstrictlyprohibited.

2
 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL

2025RegularSession

HOUSEBILLNO.397

BYREPRESENTATIVE BEAULLIEU

PrefiledpursuanttoArticleIII,Section2(A)(4)(b)(i)oftheConstitutionofLouisiana.

ETHICS/CODE: ProvidesforrevisionstotheCodeofGovernmentalEthics

1 ANACT

2 ToamendandreenactR.S.42:1102(22)(d),1113(D)(2)(d),1123(16) and (26),1124.2(D),

3 1124.3(C)(1)(a)(introductory paragraph) and ( b), 1124.4(D)(3), 1124.6(A)(2),

4 1134(I),1141(B)(1)and (C),and1141.4(B)(2), C),

( E ( ), F
( ), G
( ), (H),and (I),to

5 enactR.S.42:1102(24),1111(A)(7)and (8),1115.1(E)(3),1115.2(C),1123(48)and

6 49),1124(I),
1134(N)(3),1141(D), E),
( F),
( and (G),and1141.4(B)(3), J),
( K ( ), L),
(

7 M),and (N),and torepeal R.S. 42:1141.4(D)(2),relative to the revision of the

8 systemoflawsprovidingforgovernmentalethics; tomakerevisionstotheCodeof

9 Governmental Ethics; toprovide fordefinitions; toprovide forpaymentsmade to

10 certainpublicservantsfromnonpublicsources; toprovideforprohibitedcontractual

11 arrangements;toprovideforlimitationsonfoodanddrink;toprovideforadmission

12 toevents,lodging,andtravel;toprovideforthecalculationofthevalueofairtravel;

13 toprovideforexceptionstorestrictionsprovidedforintheCodeofGovernmental

14 Ethics; toprovide forfinancialdisclosure statements and the contents thereof; to

15 provide fortheprocedureandrequirementsfortheassessmentofpenaltiesforthe

16 failuretofileortimelyfileoromitinformationfromarequiredreport;toprovidefor

17 thedutiesoftheBoardofEthics; toprovideforthecontentsonreportsbytheBoard

18 of Ethics regarding the administration of the Code of Governmental Ethics; to

19 provide for the conduct of educational seminars; to provide for investigations

20 conductedbytheBoardofEthics; toprovideforthe issuanceofsubpoenasbythe

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 BoardofEthics; toprovide forthe noticeand procedure ofinvestigations; andto

2 provideforrelatedmatters.

3 BeitenactedbytheLegislatureofLouisiana:
4 Section 1. R.S. 42:1102(22)(d),1113(D)(2)(d),1123(16) and (26), 1124.2(D),

5 1124.3(C)(1)(a)(introductory paragraph) and (b), 1124.4(D)(3), 1124.6(A)(2), 1134(I),

6 1141(B)(1)and (C),and1141.4(B)(2), C),

( E ( ), F),
( G),
( H
( ),and (I)areherebyamended

7 andreenactedandR.S.42:1102(24),1111(A)(7)and (8),1115.1(E)(3),1115.2(C),1123(48)

8 and (49),1124(I),
1134(N)(3),1141(D), E),
( F),
( and (G),and1141.4(B)(3), J),
( (K), L),
(

9 M),and (N)areherebyenactedtoreadasfollows:
10 1102. Definitions

11
12 22)

13
14 d)(i)Withreferencetolegislatorsandemployeesinthelegislativebranch

15 of state government only, and for purposes of this Section, "reasonable

16 transportation", when organized primarily for educational or for informational

17 purposes, including on-site inspections, shall include transportation to anypoint

18 withintheboundariesofthisstate, includingtheterritorialwatersthereof,andtoany

19 offshorestructurelocatedontheoutercontinental shelfseawardofsuchterritorial

20 waters andoffshore ofLouisiana. With referencetoemployees in the legislative

21 branchofstategovernment,suchtransportationshallonlybeforofficiallegislative

22 purposes and Such reasonable transportation shall have prior approval from the

23 presiding officer of the respective house wherein such legislative employee is

24 employed.

25 ii)Withreferencestolegislatorsonly, "reasonabletransportation",:

26 aa) Whenorganizedprimarilyforeducationalorforinformationalpurposes,

27 includingon-site inspections, shall include transportationto anypoint within the

28 boundariesofthisstate,includingtheterritorialwatersthereof,andtoanyoffshore

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 structurelocatedontheoutercontinentalshelfseawardofsuchterritorialwatersand

2 offshoreofLouisiana.

3 bb) whenWhenorganizedprimarilyforentertainmentpurposesincidental

4 tofood,drink,orrefreshments, shallincludetransportationtoanypointwithinthis

5 statethatiswithinafifty-mileradiusoftheperimeterofthelegislator'sdistrict,or

6 withinafifty-mileradiusoftheperimeteroftheparishwherein the statecapitolis

7 located.ifthelegislatorisconductingofficialbusinessinsaidparish.

8 cc) Whenorganized primarilyformakingapublicspeech, transportation

9 fromhishome,orthecapitol,toandfromthesiteofthespeakingengagementfrom

10 thesponsoringgroupororganization,providedthepublicspeechisgiveninanystate

11 oftheUnitedStatesoranycountryinNorthAmericaortheCarribean.

12
13 24) " Public speech" shall mean a speech, or other oral presentation,

14 includingapaneldiscussion, orradioortelevisionappearancebeforethepublicat

15 large, orbeforeanycivic,political, religious,educational, oreleemosynarygroupor Commented \[DB1\]:

Definition:relatingtoordependent
oncharity; charitable; Canwejustusetheword
charitable?
16 organizationbyamemberofthelegislatureinhiscapacityasalegislator.

17
18 1111. Paymentfromnonpublicsources

19 A. Paymentsforservicestothegovernmentalentity.

20
21 7) Anycompensationpaid toanypublicschool teacher, administrator,or

22 supervisor, including kindergarten through the twelfth grade and postsecondary

23 educationinstructionalfacultyandadministratorsforcompensationfromanyagency

24 participating in astate orstatewide publicretirement system shallbedeemed for

25 purposesofthisPartascompensationfromhisgovernmentalentitytowhichheis

26 duly entitled. Such compensation must follow all rules regarding secondary

27 compensationrelatedtothepublicretirementsysteminwhichthepublicemployee

28 isparticipating. Moreover,suchservicesshallbedeemedforpurposesofthisPart

Page3of26

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 tobeperformedforthebenefitofhisgovernmentalentity,althoughthetimespent

2 insuchmattersshallnotbedeemedashoursworkedforhisgovernmentalentity.

3 8) Any award or stipend provided to any public school teacher or

4 administratorforhisparticipationwithanynon-profitproviderofteacherorpublic-

5 school administrator certification, shall be deemed for purposes of this Part as

6 compensation from his governmental entitytowhichheis dulyentitled. For the

7 purposesofthisPart,theservicesforwhichtheawardorstipendisreceivedshallbe

8 deemedtobeperformedforthebenefitofthepublicschool.

9
10 1113. Prohibitedcontractualarrangements; exceptions; reports

11 * * *
12 D.

13
14 2) TheprovisionsofthisSubsectionshallnotprohibitthefollowing:

15
16 d) Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Paragraph,

17 completionCompletionofanycontractwhich,atthetimeitwasenteredinto,was

18 notprohibitedbytheprovisionsofthisSubsection; however,nosuchcontractshall

19 be renewed except as specifically provided for in this Paragraph that a contract

20 containinganoptionbythestatetoextendthecontractmayberenewedifallofthe

21 followingapply:

22 i)Theoptionisatthestategovernment's discretion.

23 ii) Thecontractrenewaldoesnotchangetheservicesprovided, theprice,

24 orthetermsofthecontractcomparedtowhenthecontractwasinitiallyexecuted.

25 iii) Thestate governmentisnototherwiseprohibitedfromexercising the

26 optiontoextendthetermofthecontract.

27
28 1115.1. Limitationonfood,drink,andrefreshment

29

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 E. TheprovisionsofthisSectionshallnotapplytoanyofthefollowing:

2
3 3) The participation of a public servant at an event hosted by an

4 organization qualifying under Section 501 of the United State Internal Revenue

5 Code,includingacharitableorganizationasdefinedin26USC501(c)(3)orasocial

6 welfare organization as defined in 26 USC 501(c)(4), held for the purpose of

7 educatingthepublicservantonissuesthat havecomebefore,ormightreasonably

8 be expected tocome beforethe public servant, provided that at leastten persons

9 associatedwiththeorganizationareinvitedtothegathering.

10
11 1115.2. Admissiontoevents; lodging; travel

12
13 C. Theamountexpended on airtransportationbyprivateaircraft maybe

14 calculatedbyanyofthefollowingmethods:

15 1) Thecostofeither:

16 a) The lower unrestricted and nondiscounted commercial, first class or

17 businessclass,airfareforaflightcomparableindeparturelocation,destination,and

18 timeoftravel,inthecaseoftravelbetweenlocationsservedbyregularlyscheduled

19 first-classcommercialairlineservice.

20 b) Thelowestunrestrictedandnondiscountedcommercial,coachairfarefor

21 aflightcomparableindeparturelocation,destination,andtimeoftravel,inthecase

22 oftravelbetweenlocationsnotservedbyregularlyscheduledfirst-classorbusiness

23 classcommercialairlineservice.

24 c) The normal and usual charterfareor rental charge for a comparable

25 aircraft of sufficient size to accommodate all travelers and securitypersonnel, if

26 applicable, inthe caseoftraveltoorfromacitynotregularlyservedbyregularly

27 scheduledcommercialairlineservice.

28 2) Theactualcostoftheprivateflightdividedbythenumberofpassengers.

Page5of26

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areadditions.
 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 3) Any methodology accepted under generally accepted accounting

2 principlesorgenerallyacceptedauditingstandards.

3 4) AnymethodologyconsistentwithanyprovisionsoftheCodeofFederal

4 Regulationsthatvaluesairtransportationbyprivateornon-commercialaircraft.

5
6 1123. Exceptions

7 ThisPartshallnotpreclude:

8
9 16)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions ofR.S. 42:1102(22), when When

10 making a public speech, the acceptance bya member of the legislature of food,

11 refreshments, and lodging reasonably related to making such speech, as well as

12 reasonabletransportationfromhishome, orthecapitol, toandfromthesiteofthe

13 speakingengagementfromthesponsoringgroupororganization,providedthepublic

14 speechisgiven inanystate oftheUnited States, orCanada anycountryinNorth

15 America,theCarribean,theterritorialwatersofLouisiana,oranyoffshorestructure

16 locatedontheoutercontinentalshelfseawardofsuchterritorialwatersandoffshore

17 ofLouisiana, andprovided such member ofthe legislature, if makingthe speech

18 outsidethisstate,includingtheterritorialwatersthereof,andanyoffshorestructure

19 locatedontheoutercontinentalshelfseawardofsuchterritorialwatersandoffshore

20 ofLouisiana, filesastatementwiththeBoardofEthics,withinsixtydaysofmaking

21 suchpublicspeech,disclosingthenameofthesponsoringgroupororganizationand

22 theamountexpendedonhisbehalfbythesponsoringgroupororganizationonfood

23 and refreshments, lodging, and transportation. The statement shall include a

24 certificationbythememberofthelegislaturefilingitthattheinformationcontained

25 inthe statementistrueandcorrecttothe bestofhisknowledge, information, and

26 belief.

27 b)ForthepurposesofthisParagraph,thephrase "publicspeech"shallmean

28 a speech, or other oral presentation, including a panel discussion, or radio or

29 television appearance before the public at large, or before any civic, political,

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 religious, educational, oreleemosynary groupororganizationbyamemberofthe

2 legislatureinhiscapacityasalegislator.

3
4 26)(a) Theacceptancebyapublicservantofanythingofeconomicvalue

5 asagiftorgratuityfromanypersonwhenthevalueofsuchgiftorgratuitydoesnot

6 exceedonehundreddollarsperevent, ortwohundreddollarsinacalendaryear. Commented \[DB2\]:

Thiswouldcreateanexceptiontothe
giftprohibitionintheamountof $
100pereventand $200per
calendaryear.
7 b) Theacceptance byapublicservant offorflowersoradonation toan
Commented \[DB3\]:
Increasestheamountforbereavement
flowersoradonationonbehalfofapublicservantfrom
8 organization that qualifies as a charitable organization as defined in 26 USC 100to $200.

9 501(c)(3)inconnectionwithinsympathyofthedeathofamemberoftheimmediate

10 familyofapublicservantprovidedthatthedonationdoesnotexceedtwohundred

11 dollarsorthatthemarketvalueoftheflowersdoesnotexceedtwohundreddollars.

12 c) Theacceptancebyapublicservantofseasonalorholidayfoodsornon- Commented \[DB4\]:

Thiswouldcreateanexceptionto
allowforfoodanddrinkcommemoratingareligiousorstate
holiday; upto $
200peryear.
13 alcoholicbeveragesthatcommemorateareligiousorstateholidayanddonotexceed

14 twohundreddollarsinmarketvalueortwohundreddollarsinacalendaryear.

15 b) d
( ) Theacceptancebyapublicservantemployedbyaprekindergarten, Commented \[DB5\]:
Thiswouldseeminglybeatodds
against (26)(a)asproposedabove;asteacherswouldonlybe
allowedtoreceiveupto $75percalendaryear.
16 kindergarten, elementary, orsecondaryschoolofanythingofeconomicvalueasa

17 giftfromoronbehalfofastudentorformerstudentwhenthevalueofthegiftdoes

18 notexceedtwenty-fivedollarsandtheaggregatevalueofallgiftsfromoronbehalf

19 ofanyonepersonpursuanttothisSubparagraphdoesnotexceedseventy-fivedollars

20 inacalendaryear.

21
22 48) A member of the Louisiana Racing Commission or the Executive

23 DirectoroftheLouisianaRacingCommissionfrombeinganownerofaracehorse

24 which participates in any race meeting licensed by the Louisiana Racing

25 Commissionorfrombeinganownerofahorse thatsiredorbredaracehorsethat

26 participatesinaracemeetinglicensedbytheLouisianaRacingCommission, orfrom

27 participatinginabreederorstallionaward.

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 49) Amemberoftheboardofanairportauthorityordistrictfromsoliciting Commented \[DB6\]:
Thisexceptionalreadyexistsin
1123(20)withpopulationqualifiers.
2 orenteringintocontractsorothertransactionsunderthesupervisionorjurisdiction

3 oftheauthorityordistrict.

4
5 1124. Financialdisclosure; statewideelectedofficials; certainpublicservants

6
7 I.Anypublicationorproductionofafinancialstatementasprovidedinthis Commented \[DB7\]:
Tier1PFD:Thiswouldprovidefor
theredactionofthepersonalresidenceaddressofthefiler
8 Section shall have redactedthe address ofthe residence ofthe individual who is
Itwouldbeeasiertoremovethoseparticulardisclosure
9 requiredtofileandtheprincipalbusinessaddressofthespouseoftheindividualwho requirementsfrom1124C,ratherthanhavingitredactedon
everyTier1form.

10 isrequiredtofile.

11
12 1124.2. Financialdisclosure; certainelectedofficials; membersofcertainboards

13 andcommissions; ethicsadministrator

14
15 D. Whenanamount isrequiredtobedisclosedpursuanttothisSection, it Commented \[DB8\]:
Thiswouldrequireachangetothe
Tier2PFDformstoupdatethecategorylimits.
16 shallbesufficienttoreporttheamountbythefollowingcategories:

17 ( a) CategoryI,lessthan $5,000 $10,000.

18 b) CategoryII, 5,
$000-$24,999 $10,000to $50,000.

19 c) CategoryIII, 2$5,000-$100,000 $50,000to $100,000.

20 d) CategoryIV,morethan $100,000.

21
22 1124.3.Financialdisclosure;certainelectedofficials,votingdistrictsofunderfive

23 thousand

24
25 C. ThefinancialstatementrequiredbythisSectionshallbefiledonaform

26 prescribedbytheBoardofEthicsandshallincludethefollowinginformation:

27 1)(a) Anyandallincomeexceedingtwohundredfiftyfivehundreddollars Commented \[DB9\]:

Thiswouldrequireachangetothe
Tier3PFDformstoupdatetheincomereportingthreshold.
28 receivedduringthe immediatelyprecedingcalendaryearbythe individual whois

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 requiredtofileorthespouseofsuch individualwhichisreceivedfromanyofthe

2 following:

3
4 b) Anyand all income exceeding twohundredfiftyfivehundreddollars Commented \[DB10\]:
Thiswouldalsoincreasethe
businessincomereportingthresholdonTier3PFDs.
5 receivedduringtheimmediatelyprecedingcalendaryearbyanybusinessinwhich

6 theindividualrequiredtofileorhisspouse,individuallyorcollectively,ownsatleast

7 ten percent, whichisreceived forservices performedfororin connection with a

8 gaminginterestasdefinedinR.S.18:1505.2(L)(3)(a).

9***
10 1124.4. Penalties

11
12 D. Commented \[DB11\]:
Afindingbytheboardafterthe
noticeprovidedforinParagraph (A)(1)ofthisSectionthata
personhaswillfullyandknowinglyfailedtofileastatement,
13 willfullyandknowinglyfailedtotimelyfileastatement,
willfullyandknowinglyomittedinformationfroma
14 3)(a) Findings pursuant to this Section shall be made bythe boardata statement,orwillfullyandknowinglyprovidedinaccurate
informationinastatementshallsubjectthepersonto
prosecutionforamisdemeanor.
15 publichearingconductedforthatpurpose.

16 b)AnypublichearingconductedpursuanttothisSectionshallbeconducted Commented \[DB12\]:

Createsanewnotificationprocess
forarespondent,priortoapublichearingheldbytheBoard
17 inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheCodeofGovernmentalEthicsnoearlierthan

18 thirtydaysafterthepersonwhoisthesubjectofthehearinghasreceivednoticeby

19 certified mail advising the person of the hearing date, time, and location, and

20 advisingthepersonthatthepersonmayexercisehisconstitutionalrighttocounsel

21 andmayexercisehisconstitutionalrightnottoincriminatehimself.

22 c) Thepersonwhoisthesubjectofthehearingshall,nolaterthanfifteen

23 daysbeforethe hearingreceive acopyofthe final report ofthe stafftothe board

24 summarizingandanalyzingtheinvestigationoftheallegedviolationbytheperson

25 subject tothehearing, acopyofallevidencegatheredbythe board, andacopyof

26 allpotentialexhibitstobeintroducedatthehearing.

27 d) Thepersonwhoisthesubjectofthehearing, orhiscounsel, shallhave

28 thepowerandauthoritytosubpoenawitnessesandcompeltheproductionofbooks,

29 records, andpapers, publicandprivate.

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 e) The board shall, before the hearing, grant the person subject to the

2 hearing,orhiscounsel,anopportunitytosubmitabriefresponsetothefinalreport

3 ofthestaff.

4 f)Theboardshall,afterthehearing,grantthepersonsubjecttothehearing,

5 orhiscounsel,anopportunitytoaddress,orallyorinwriting,thefinalreportofthe

6 staff,theevidencepresentedatthehearing, andanyfactualorlegalissuesrelevant

7 totheallegedviolationbythepersonsubjecttothehearing.

8 g) The board shall, atthe election of the person subject to the hearing,

9 permit thepersonsubjecttothehearingorhiscounseltoappearforthehearingor

10 toaddresstheboard,inperson,telephonically, orbyvideoconference. Commented \[DB13\]:

ThisrequiresITchangesto
accommodate, aswellasincreasedexpenses.
11 h) Thehearingshallberecordedbyastenographeratthe expenseofthe WouldaskthatthisbeeffectiveJan.12026togivestafftime
toimplement.
12 board. Commented \[DB14\]:
Thiscouldincreasecosts.Wehave
audiorecordingsavailableatnoextracosts.
13
14 1124.6.Disclosurestatements;certainagencyheadsandappointeestostateboards

15 andcommissions

16 A.

17
18 2) Eachperson whoisappointed toastate boardorcommission, whois

19 subject to annual financial statements as required byR.S. 42:1124.2.1, and who

20 madeacontributionorloaninexcessofonetwothousanddollarstoacampaignof Commented \[DB15\]:

ThiswouldincreasetheTier2.1
reportingrequirementforappointedboardmemberswho
makeacampaigncontribution.
21 theofficialwhoappointedhimshalldisclosetotheboardhisdateofappointment,

22 the amount of any compensation provided for such position, the name of the

23 candidatetowhom acontribution orloan wasmade, and the amount ofanysuch

24 contributionorloan. Eachsuchpersonshallincludetheinformationrequiredbythis

25 SubsectionontheannualfinancialstatementthatisrequiredbythisPart.

26
27 1134. Powers,duties, andresponsibilitiesoftheboard

28

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
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1 I. The board shall provide semi-annual reports and information to the Commented \[DB16\]:
Staffwouldrequestthatthis
provisionprovideacertainreportingdate,aswellasthe
reportingperiodforthedata.
2 governor,thelegislature,andtogoverningauthoritiesconcerningtheadministration

3 ofthisChapterwithinitsjurisdictionandconflictofinterestmattersgenerally. The

4 boardshallincludeinitsreportsallofthefollowing:

5 1) Aggregatedataregardinginvestigations, including:

6 a) Aggregateddataregardingnumberofcomplaints received.

7 b) Aggregateddataregardingnumberofinvestigations.

8 c) Aggregateddataregardingnumberoffines.

9 d) Aggregateddataregardingnumberoffinewaivers.

10 e) Aggregated data regarding number and nature of court proceedings

11 regardinginvestigations.

12 f) Aggregated data regarding categories of alleged violations yielding

13 investigations.

14 2) Aggregateddataregardingcharges,including:

15 a) Aggregateddateregardingnumberofcharges.

16 b)Aggregateddataregardinglengthofproceedingsresultingfromcharges.

17 c) Aggregated data regarding categories of alleged violations yielding

18 charges.

19 3) Advisoryopinionsissuedbytheboard. Commented \[DB17\]:

ItisunclearwhethertheBoard
wouldhavetoprovidedataregardingadvisoryopinions,or
theactualadvisoryopinionseverysixmonths.Theadvisory
20 4) Judgments and opinions bystate and federal courts interpreting this bsite.

21 Chapter.

22
23 N.

24
25 3) The board shall conduct educational seminars to educate persons,

26 including committee chairmen and treasurers, professional campaign managers,

27 publicrelationsfirmsandadvertisingagencies,attorneys,andcertifiedprofessional

28 accountants, regarding theCampaign Financial Disclosure Act. The boardshall

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 make reasonable efforts to assure that the seminars qualify for continuing legal

2 educationcreditsandcontinuingeducationcreditsforcertifiedpublicaccountants.

3
4 1141. Complaintsandinvestigations Commented \[DB18\]:
Thiswouldaddnewprocedural
noticesandstepstotheinvestigationprocess.
5
6 B.(1)(a) The BoardofEthics shall consider anysigned sworncomplaint

7 fromanyelector,hereinafterreferredtoascomplainant, concerningaviolationof

8 thisChapterwhichiswithinitsjurisdictionortheregulationsorordersissuedbythe

9 BoardofEthics, ormay,byatwo-thirdsmajorityvoteofitsmembership,consider

10 any matter which it has reason to believe may be a violation of this Chapter.

11 Additionally,theboardmayconsideranymatterwhichithasreasontobelievemay

12 beaviolationofanyotherprovisionoflawwithinitsjurisdictionasprovidedinthis

13 Subsectionorasmaybeotherwiseprovidedbylaw. Theboard,afterconsideringthe

14 matter, shall determine whether there is reason to believe that a respondent has

15 committed a violation of this Chapter warranting an investigation. A potential

16 violationofthisChapterwarrantsaninvestigationiftheboardfindsthattheboard

17 willmorelikelythannotfindallofthefollowing:

18 i)Thattherespondenthasnotalreadycuredanypotentialviolationofthis

19 Chapter or that, despite subsequent cure by the respondent, the respondent

20 committedtheviolationintentionallyorrecklessly.

21 ii)Thatbasedontheinformationavailabletheboardwillmorelikelythan

22 notfindaviolationofthisChapter,thatthepotentialviolationofthisChapterwould

23 constitute a significant violation of this Chapter that if not investigated would Commented \[DB19\]:
TheBoardistypicallyunableto
makethisdeterminationwithoutthefactsofaninvestigation.
24 threatenthepurposesofthisChapter.

25 iii)ThatinvestigatingthepotentialviolationofthisChapterwouldsupport

26 thepurposesofthisChapter.

27 iv) Thatthelimitedresourcesoftheboardarebetterspentoninvestigation

28 ofthispotentialviolationversustheinvestigationofotherpotentialviolationsofthis

29 Chapter.

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1 b) In determining whether, based on the information available, the

2 supervisorycommitteewillmorelikelythannotfindaviolationofthisChapter,the Commented \[DB20\]:

throughoutthissection.
3 supervisorycommitteeshallconsiderwhethertheevidenceathandisvagueorweak.

4 In determiningwhether the potential violationofthisChapter wouldconstitute a

5 significant violation of this Chapter that if not investigated would threaten the

6 purposesofthisChapter,thesupervisorycommitteeshallconsidertheexpenselikely

7 tobeincurredbytherespondentandthetaxpayerfromthe investigation, weighed

8 againsttheseverityofthepotentialviolationinbothamount,frequency,andnature.

9 c)(i) If the board, by a two-thirds majority vote of its membership,

10 determines that an investigation is warranted, a Acertified copyofthe vote;, a

11 detailed explanation ofthe matter, includingthe specificfactual allegations upon

12 which the boardbasedits decision to investigate;, and a copyof anycomplaint

13 receivedbytheboard,fromwhichthenameofthecomplainanthasbeenredacted,

14 shallbesentbycertifiedmail totheaccusedandthe complainantwithinten days

15 afterthevoteoccursorafterreceiptofasignedsworncomplaint. Commented \[DB21\]:

Thisretainstheconfidentialnature
ofcomplaints; comparedtoHB160.
16 ii)Thedetailedexplanationofthemattershallbeprefacedbyadvisingthe

17 respondentthattherespondentmayexercisehisconstitutionalrighttocounseland

18 mayexercisehisconstitutionalrightnottoincriminatehimself.

19 d) The chairman of the Board of Ethics may assign a matter to the

20 appropriatepanelforinvestigation, inwhichcasethepanelshallconductaprivate

21 investigation to elicit evidence upon whichthe panel shall determine whether to

22 recommendtotheboardthatapublichearingbeconductedorthataviolationhasnot

23 occurred.

24 b) (e) The board shall provide a person who has filed a non-sworn

25 complaintwithonlyanotificationstatingthefinaldispositionofthecomplaint.

26
27 C.(1)(a) Uponreceivingasworncomplaintorvotingtoconsideramatteras

28 providedinSubsectionBofthisSection,aprivateinvestigationshallbeconducted

29 toelicitevidenceuponwhichtheBoardofEthicsshalldeterminewhetherapublic

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1 hearingshouldbeconductedorthataviolationhasnotoccurred. Theaccusedand

2 the complainant shall be given written notification of the commencement ofthe

3 investigationnotlessthantendayspriortothedatesetforthecommencementofthe

4 investigation.

5 b) Forpurposesofaninvestigation,theBoardofEthics,anypanelthereof,

6 oritsstaff,ortheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoard,oranypanelthereof, mayrequirethe Commented \[DB22\]:

TheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoardis
notinvolvedintheinvestigativeprocess.
7 submission underoathofwritten reportsoranswers toquestions, orsubpoena or

8 compel the production of anyrecords which a boardor panel deems relevant or

9 materialtotheinvestigationorhearing. Suchproductionofanysuchrecordsmay

10 berequiredatnocosttothepublicservantorotherpersoncharged.

11 c) The Board of Ethics, any panel thereof, or its staff, or the Ethics

12 Adjudicatory Board, or any panel thereof, shall only subpoena or compel the Commented \[DB23\]:
Seepriorcomment.

13 production ofbooks, records, andpapers, orrequirethesubmissionunderoath of

14 writtenreportsoranswerstoquestions, uponatwo-thirdsvoteofthemembership

15 of the Board of Ethics finding that the importance of the information sought

16 outweighs the burden ofproducing the information. In determining whether the

17 importance of the information sought outweighs the burden of producing the

18 informationtheBoardofEthicsshallconsider:

19 i) Theimportance ofthe informationindetermining whether apotential

20 violationhasoccurred.

21 ii) The severity and significance of the potential violation or series of

22 violations.

23 iii) Theburdenorexpenseofproducingorcompilingtheinformation.

24 iv) Whethertheinformationcanbeproducedbyanothersourcewithless

25 burdenorexpense.

26 v) Whether the informationcanbe producedbyasource otherthan the

27 publicservant.

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 d) Therespondentoranywitnessuponwhomwrittenquestionshavebeen Commented \[DB24\]:
Providesfora30dayresponse
period.
2 propoundedbysubpoenaorotherwise,shallserveacopyofthewrittenanswers,and

3 objections,ifany,withinthirtydaysaftertheserviceofthequestions.

4 e) Therespondentoranywitnessuponwhomasubpoenahasbeenserved Commented \[DB25\]:

Providesfora30dayresponse
period.
5 to compel the production of books, records, or papers shall serve a copyof the

6 responsesandobjections,ifany,withinthirtydaysaftertheserviceofthesubpoena.

7 f)Therespondentoranywitnessuponwhomasubpoenahasbeenserved Commented \[DB26\]:

Providesfora30dayresponse
period.
8 requiringthe submission under oath ofwritten reports shall produce the written

9 reportswithinthirtydaysaftertheserviceofthesubpoena.

10 g) Therespondentshallpromptlyreceiveacopyofquestionspropounded

11 orsubpoena servedupon anywitness, aswell asanyanswers, objections, books,

12 records, or papers, or written reports produced, or transcripts or recordings of

13 answerstoquestionsproducedunderoath.

14 h) Anydemand, request, orsubpoena propounded upon arespondent or

15 witness,orallyorinwriting,shallbeprefacedbyadvisingtherespondentorwitness

16 thattherespondentorwitness mayexercisehisconstitutional righttocounsel and

17 mayexercisehisconstitutionalrightnottoincriminatehimself.

18 i)Therespondentoranywitnessmayconsenttoanoralexaminationunder

19 oathunderconditionsagreeduponbytherespondentorwitness, includingthatthe

20 examination occur in a certain place, at a certain time, or by phone or

21 videoconference, andwithcounselpresent, thatthe examination betranscribed or

22 audio recorded, andthatthe respondentorwitnesspromptlyreceiveacopyofthe

23 transcriptoraudiorecording.

24 j)TheBoardofEthicsandtheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoardshalladoptrules

25 providingfordiscoveryconsistentwithChapter3ofTitleIIIofBookIIoftheCode

26 ofCivil ProcedureandasconstrainedbythisSubsection, tothe extent andinthe

27 mannerappropriatetoitsproceedings.

28 2) Afterthe investigation hasbeencompleted, the Board ofEthics shall

29 determinewhetherapublichearingshouldbeconductedtoreceiveevidenceandto

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
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1 determinewhetheranyviolationofanyprovisionoflawwithinitsjurisdictionhas

2 occurred. Ifaviolationhasnotoccurred,thedefendantandthecomplainantshallbe

3 notifiedwithintendaysoftheruling.

4 3)(a) If the board determines following an investigation that a public

5 hearingshouldbeconducted, theboardshallissuecharges. Apublichearingshall

6 beconductedtoreceiveevidencerelativetothefactsallegedinthechargesandto

7 determine whetheranyviolationofanyprovisionoflawwithinthejurisdictionof

8 theboardhasoccurred. Thepublichearingonsuchchargesshallbeconductedby

9 theEthicsAdjudicatoryBoardinaccordancewiththeAdministrative ProcedureAct

10 andthisPart.

11 b) Thechargesissuedbytheboardshallcontaineachofthefollowing:

12 i) Aplain, concise, and definite written statement ofthe essential facts

13 constitutingtheallegedviolation.

14 ii)Theofficialorcustomarycitationofthestatutewhichisallegedtohave

15 beenviolated.

16 iii) Thedateofthemeetingatwhichtheboardvotedtoissuecharges.

17 iv) Thenameofthetrialattorney,ifdesignated.

18 v) Awritten statement advising the respondent that the respondent may

19 exercisehisconstitutionalrighttocounselandmayexercisehisconstitutionalright

20 nottoincriminatehimself.

21 D.(1) In case of contumacyorrefusaltoobey a subpoena issued to any Commented \[DB27\]:

ThiswouldrequiretheBoardtofile
aMotiontoCompelintheDistrictCourtinwhichthe
respondentorwitnessislocated.Currently,allsuchmotions
22 publicservantorotherperson, anydistrictcourtofthisstatewithinthejurisdiction th
arefiledinthe19JDCinBatonRouge. Thiscouldincrease
thecoststoenforceamotiontocompel.
23 ofwhichsaidpublicservantorotherpersonresides,uponapplicationbytheBoard

24 ofEthics ortheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoardshall havejurisdictiontoissuetosuch

25 publicservantorotherpersonanorderrequiringhimtoproducebooks, records, or

26 papers, or torequire the submission under oath of written reports oranswers to

27 questionsconcerningthematterunderconsideration.

28 2) Thedistrictcourtshallonlysubpoenaorcompeltheproductionofbooks,

29 records,orpapers,orrequirethesubmissionunderoathofwrittenreportsoranswers

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
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1 toquestions,uponafindingthattheimportanceoftheinformationsoughtoutweighs

2 theburdenofproducingtheinformation. Indeterminingwhethertheimportanceof

3 the information sought outweighs the burden of producing the information, the

4 districtcourtshallconsider:

5 a) Theimportance ofthe informationindetermining whetherapotential

6 violationhasoccurred.

7 b) The severity and significance of the potential violation or series of

8 violations. Commented \[DB28\]:

TheCourtshavestatedthatdistrict
courtsdonothavejurisdictiontointerprettheEthicsCode,
otherthanincasesquestioningconstitutionality.
9 c) Theburdenorexpenseofproducingorcompilingtheinformation.
ThisseeminglygivestheDistrictCourttheabilityto
10 d) Whether the informationcanbeproducedbyanothersourcewithless interprettheEthicsCodebydeterminingwhetherasubpoena
requestisnecessary,aftera2/3votebytheBoardastothe
sameanalysis.
11 burdenorexpanse.

12 e) Whethertheinformationcanbeproducedbasourceotherthanthepublic

13 servant.

14 3) TheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoardshallwaive,uponwrittenrequestbythe

15 affectedparty, anyrighttobeservedbyanymeansotherthan emailtransmission,

16 and shall provide anemail addressat whichthe Ethics AdjudicatoryBoardshall

17 acceptservice.

18 4) Anyfailuretoobeysuchorderofthecourtmaybedeemedbythedistrict

19 courttobecontemptofcourt.

20 5) Thedistrictcourt,upondenyinganyapplicationbytheBoardofEthics

21 or the Ethics Adjudicatory Board, or any part thereof, may order the Ethics

22 AdjudicatoryBoardpaythecostsandattorney'sfeesoftheaffectedparty.

23 E.(1) Aftertheinvestigationhasbeencompleted,theBoardofEthicsshall, Commented \[DB29\]:

Thisnewprovisionwouldrequirea
2/3voteoftheBoardtoapprovethefilingofcharges.
24 byvoteoftwo-thirdsofitsmembers,determinewhetherapublichearingshouldbe

25 conducted to receive evidence and to determine whether any violation of any

26 provisionoflawwithinitsjurisdictionhasoccurred. Ifaviolationhasnotoccurred,

27 therespondentandthecomplainantshallbenotifiedwithintendaysoftheruling.

28 2) Before the board determines whether a public hearing should be Commented \[DB30\]:
Thisnewprovisionwouldrequire
theBoardtoprovideacopyoftheinvestigationreporttothe
29 conductedtoreceiveevidence, theboardshall: filecharges.

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 a) Providetherespondentwiththefinalreportofthestaffoftheboardto

2 theboardsummarizing andanalyzingtheinvestigationoftheallegedviolationby

3 respondent.

4 b) Provide the respondent, or counsel for the respondent, with an

5 opportunitytosubmitabriefresponsetothefinalreportofthestaff.

6 c) Provide the respondent, or counsel for the respondent, with an

7 opportunity tobrieflymakeastatementbeforethe BoardofEthics toaddressthe

8 final report of the staff and any factual or legal issues relevant to the alleged

9 violationbyrespondent. Commented \[DB31\]:

Thiswouldallowtherespondentto
provideawrittenresponseortomakeastatementtothe
Boardpriortoconsiderwhethertofilecharges.
10 i) Statements bythe respondent, orcounsel for the respondent, maybe

11 presentinperson, telephonically, orbyvideoconference.

12 ii)Statementsbytherespondent,orcounselfortherespondent,shall,unless

13 respondentorhiscounselrequestsotherwise,bemadeduringexecutivesessionof

14 thesupervisorycommittee. Commented \[DB32\]:

Thiswouldallowtherespondentto
appearduringtheexecutivesessionmeetings.
15 iii) Statementsbytherespondent,orcounselfortherespondent,beforethe

16 supervisory committee shall not be recorded and shall not be used against the

17 respondentinsubsequentproceedings.

18 c)F. IftheBoardofEthicsdoesnotissuechargeswithinoneyearfromthe

19 date upon which a sworn complaint is received or, if no sworn complaint was

20 received, withinoneyearfromthedatetheboardvotedtoconsiderthematter, the

21 matter shall be dismissed. The one-year period shall be prescriptive. The

22 prescriptiveperiodmaybesuspended, interrupted, orrenounced. Theprescriptive

23 periodshallbesuspendedbyanyofthefollowing:

24 i) 1)
( Thepersonwhoisthesubjectoftheinvestigationorcomplaintfiles

25 anypleadingorproceedinginastateorfederalcourtorwiththeEthicsAdjudicatory

26 Boardrelated to the matter under investigation that hasthe effect ofdelaying or

27 impedingtheproceeding.

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
1 ii) 2)
( Thepersonwhoisthesubjectoftheinvestigationorcomplaintfails

2 tocomplywithasubpoenaorotherrequestfromtheBoardofEthicsforinformation

3 relatedtoorinconnectionwiththeinvestigationoftheBoardofEthics.

4 d) 3
( ) Thepersonwhoisthesubjectoftheinvestigationorcomplaintmay

5 consentinwritingtothesuspensionoftheprescriptiveperiod.

6 e) (4) Determinations concerningthe prescriptive period provided forin

7 Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph this Subsection shall be made by the Ethics

8 AdjudicatoryBoard.

9 f)G. TheBoardofEthicsshallconsiderofferingaconsentopiniontoeach

10 personwhoisthesubjectofaninvestigation.

11
12 1141.4. Noticeandprocedure Commented \[DB33\]:
Thisstatutereferstothenoticeand
procedurepriorto publichearing;
13
14 B.

15
16 2) TheBoardofEthicsandtheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoardshalladoptrules

17 providingfordiscoveryconsistentwithChapter3ofTitleIIIofBookIIoftheCode

18 ofCivil Procedure, totheextentandinthe mannerappropriatetoitsproceedings.

19 Thepersonwhoissubjectofthehearingshall,nolaterthanfifteendaysbeforethe

20 hearing, receive a copy of the final report of the staff of the Board of Ethics

21 summarizingandanalyzingtheinvestigationoftheallegedviolationbytheperson

22 subject tothehearing, acopyofallevidencegatheredbythe board, andacopyof

23 allpotentialexhibitstobeintroducedatthehearing. Commented \[DB34\]:

Therespondentwouldhavealready
receivedacopyoftheinvestigationundertheprocedure
outlinedonthepreviouspage.Thisappearstoduplicatethat
24 3)TheBoardofEthics,anypanelthereof,ortheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoard, procedure.

25 conducting the hearing shall, before the hearing, grant the person subject to the

26 hearing,orhiscounsel,anopportunitytosubmitabriefresponsetothefinalreport

27 ofthestaff.

28 C. Incaseofcontumacyorrefusaltoobeyasubpoenatoappearatahearing

29 issuedtoanypublicservantorotherperson,anydistrictcourtofthisstatewithinthe

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1 jurisdictionofwhichtheinquiryiscarriedon,orwithinwhichsaidpublicservant

2 orotherpersonisfound,resides,ororiftheotherpersondoesnotresideinthisstate,

3 withinthejurisdictionofwhichthepersontransactsbusiness, uponapplicationby

4 theBoardofEthicsortheEthicsAdjudicatoryBoardshallhavejurisdictiontoissue

5 tosuch publicservant orotherperson anorderrequiringhim toappearbeforethe

6 board or its staff and to produce evidence, if so ordered, or to give testimony

7 concerningthe matterunderconsideration. Anyfailure toobey suchorderofthe

8 courtmaybedeemedbythecourtastobecontemptofthecourt.

9
10 E. Anypublicservantorotherpersonwhoisthesubjectofanyhearingmay

11 havelegalcounsel,cross-examinewitnesses, callwitnesses, subpoenaandcompel

12 witnesses,subpoenaandcompeltheproductionofbooks,records,andpapers,public

13 and private, call witnesses, and present evidence inhis own behalf. If a person

14 receivesanadvisoryopinionfromtheBoardofEthicsandheactsbaseduponsuch

15 advisoryopinion,theadvisoryopinionshallbeadmissibleasevidenceatthehearing.

16 F. Anypublicservantorotherpersonwhoisthesubjectofanyinvestigation

17 whoisnotrepresentedbycounselshallbeadvisedofhisrighttohaveanattorney

18 presentbeforeanyhearingcommences.

19 G. Any witness may be accompanied by counsel at investigations or

20 hearings, whichcounselmayadvisethewitnessofhisrights,subjecttoreasonable

21 limitationstopreventobstructionoforinterferencewiththeorderlyconductofthe

22 investigation orhearing. His counsel may also submit proposed questions tobe

23 askedforhisclient.

24 H. Anyhearingshallberecordedbyacertifiedcourtreporterattheexpense

25 oftheBoardofEthics. Anywitnessatanyinvestigationorhearing,subjecttorules Commented \[DB35\]:

Publichearingsareconductedbythe
DivisionofAdministrativeLaw,whichdoesnotprovide
courtreporters.Theydoprovideaudiorecordingsof
26 andregulationspromulgatedbytheBoardofEthicsorEthicsAdjudicatoryBoard, hearings.Thiswouldbeasignificantincreaseinexpenses.

27 shallbeentitledtoacopyofhistestimonypromptlyuponwrittendemand. whenit

28 becomesimportantandrelevantinacriminalproceedingorsubsequentinvestigation

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
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1 orhearing, provided that thefurnishingofsuchcopywillnotprejudicethepublic

2 safetyorsecurity.

3 I.(
1) TheBoardofEthics orthe Ethics AdjudicatoryBoard, oranypanel

4 thereof,conductinganyhearingshall,afterthehearing, grantthepersonsubjectto

5 thehearing, orhiscounsel, anopportunitytoaddress, orallyorinwriting,thefinal

6 report ofthe staff, the evidencepresented atthe hearing, and anyfactualorlegal

7 issuesrelevanttotheallegedviolationbythepersonsubjecttothehearing. Commented \[DB36\]:

ThiswouldallowtheRespondentto
provideapost-hearingbrief,butitisnotclearwhetherthe
BOEwouldalsobeabletoprovidesuchabrief.
8 2) TheBoardofEthics shall, atthe election ofthe person subject tothe

9 hearing,permitthepersonsubjecttothehearingorhiscounseltoaddresstheboard,

10 inperson,telephonically,orbyvideoconference. Commented \[DB37\]:

TheDivisionofAdministrativeLaw
providesaccesstothehearings.TheBOEhasnosayover
howarespondentisallowedtoappearatahearing.
11 J. In making anyofficial determination of whether anyprovision of law

12 within the jurisdiction of the Board of Ethics has been violated, the Ethics

13 Adjudicatory Board may consider testimony pursuant to the Louisiana Code of

14 Evidence.

15 J. K. Anypublic servant orother person who isaggrieved byanyaction

16 takenbyapaneloftheBoardofEthicsmayrequestareviewofthepanel's decision

17 bythefullBoardofEthicswithinthirtydaysofthepanel's decision. TheBoardof

18 Ethicsshalldeterminewhetherornottoreviewthepanel'sactionwithinthirtydays

19 oftherequestforreview.

20 K.L. TherecordsoftheBoardofEthicspreparedorobtainedinconnection

21 withinvestigationsandprivatehearingsconductedbytheBoardofEthics,including

22 allextractsofminutesandvotestotakeanymatterunderconsiderationinconnection

23 therewith,shallbedeemedconfidentialandprivileged,exceptthatsuchrecordsshall

24 be available to each member of the Board of Ethics upon request. Except as

25 provided in this Section and in R.S. 42:1111(E)(2)(d),all records, including the

26 resultsandconclusionsreachedinconnectionwithanyinvestigationorhearing,shall

27 bepublic.

28 L.M.(1) Itshallbeamisdemeanor, punishablebyafineofnotmorethan

29 twothousanddollarsorimprisonmentfornotmorethanoneyear,orboth,forany

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 HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
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1 memberoftheBoardofEthics,itsexecutivesecretary,otheremployee,oranyother

2 person, otherthan the person whois subject to the investigation orcomplaint, to

3 makepublicthetestimonytakenataprivateinvestigationorprivatehearingofthe

4 Board of Ethics or to make any public statement or give out any information

5 concerningaprivateinvestigationorprivatehearingoftheBoardofEthicswithout

6 thewrittenrequestofthepublicservantorotherpersoninvestigated.

7 2) Uponreceiptofawrittenrequestbythepublicservantorpersoncharged,

8 the BoardofEthics shall furnish the requestor with acertified copyofthe entire

9 proceedingsofaprivate hearing, includingaverbatim transcript ofall testimony

10 consideredatsuchhearing, andmakepublicthefindingsofanyprivateinvestigation

11 orhearinginconnectionwiththecharges.

12 M. N. The provisions of the Open Meetings Law shall not apply to

13 investigationsandprivatehearingsconductedbytheBoardofEthics.

14 Section2. R.S.42:1141.4(D)(2)isherebyrepealedinitsentirety.

15 Section 3. The Louisiana State Law Institute shall place the definitions in R.S.

16 42:1102asamendedbythisActinalphabeticalorder.

DIGEST

ThedigestprintedbelowwaspreparedbyHouseLegislativeServices.Itconstitutesnopart
ofthelegislativeinstrument. Thekeyword,one-liner,abstract, anddigestdonotconstitute
partofthelaworprooforindiciaoflegislativeintent. \[R.S.1:13(B)and24:177(E)\]

HB397Original 2025RegularSession Beaullieu

Abstract: ProvidesforrevisionstotheCodeofGovernmentalEthics.

Definitions
Presentlaw providesthat "reasonabletransportation" forpurposesoflegislatorsand
employeesinthelegislativebranchofstategovernment whenorganizedprimarilyfor
educationalorforinformationalpurposes, includingon-siteinspections, shallinclude
transportationtoanypointwithintheboundariesofthisstate,includingtheterritorialwaters
thereof,andtoanyoffshorestructurelocatedontheoutercontinentalshelfseawardofsuch
territorialwatersandoffshoreofLa.Requirespriorapprovalfromthepresidingofficerof
therespectivehousewhereinsuchlegislativeemployeeisemployed.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawasisrelatestoemployeesinthelegislativebranchofstate
government.

For purposes of legislators, proposed law repeals present law instead provides that
reasonabletransportation" whenorganizedprimarilyforeducational orforinformational

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HLS25RS-868 ORIGINAL
HBNO.397
purposes, includingon-siteinspections,shallincludetransportationtoanypointwithinthe
boundariesofthisstate,includingtheterritorialwatersthereof,andtoanyoffshorestructure
locatedontheoutercontinentalshelfseawardofsuchterritorialwatersandoffshoreof
Louisiana. Furtherprovidesthatwhenorganizedprimarilyformakingapublicspeech,
reasonabletransportationincludestransportationfromhishome,orthecapitol,toandfrom
thesiteofthespeakingengagementfromthesponsoringgroupororganization,providedthe
publicspeechisgiveninanystateoftheU.S.oranycountryinNorthAmericaorthe
Carribean. Presentlaw furtherprovidesthatreasonabletransportation, whenorganized
primarilyforentertainmentpurposesincidentaltofood,drink,orrefreshments, shallinclude
transportationtoanypointwithinthisstatethatiswithinafifty-mileradiusoftheperimeter
ofthelegislator'sdistrict,orwithinafifty-mileradiusoftheperimeteroftheparishwherein
thestatecapitolislocated. Proposedlawretainspresentlaw.

Presentlaw providesthatforemployeesinthelegislativebranchofstategovernment,
reasonabletransportationshallonlybeforofficiallegislativepurposes.Proposedlawrepeals
presentlaw.

Presentlawprovidesthat "publicspeech" shallmeanaspeech, orotheroralpresentation,

includingapaneldiscussion,orradioortelevisionappearancebeforethepublicatlarge,or
beforeanycivic,political,religious,educational,oreleemosynarygroupororganizationby
amemberofthelegislatureinhiscapacityasalegislator. Proposedlawretainspresentlaw.

Paymentsmadebynonpublicsources
Presentlawprovidesthatnopublicservantshallreceiveanythingofeconomicvalue,other
thancompensation andbenefitsfromthegovernmentalentitytowhichheisdulyentitled,
fortheperformanceofthedutiesandresponsibilitiesofhisofficeorposition. Presentlaw
providesforexceptions.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawexcepttoprovidethatanycompensationpaidtoanypublic
schoolteacher, administrator,orsupervisor, includingkindergartenthroughthetwelfthgrade
andpostsecondaryeducationinstructionalfacultyandadministratorsforcompensationfrom
anyagencyparticipatinginastateorstatewidepublicretirementsystemshallbedeemedas
compensationfromhisgovernmentalentitytowhichheisdulyentitled. Suchcompensation
mustfollowallrulesregardingsecondarycompensationrelatedtothepublicretirement
systeminwhichthepublicemployeeisparticipating. Suchservicesshallbedeemedtobe
performedforthebenefitofhisgovernmentalentity, althoughthetimespentinsuchmatters
shallnotbedeemedashoursworkedforhisgovernmentalentity.

Proposedlaw furtherprovidesthatanyawardorstipendprovidedtoanypublicschool
teacheroradministratorforhisparticipationwithanynon-profitproviderofteacheror
public-schooladministratorcertification,shallbedeemedascompensationfromhis
governmentalentitytowhichheisdulyentitled.Theservicesforwhichtheawardorstipend
isreceivedshallbedeemedtobeperformedforthebenefitofthepublicschool.

Prohibitedcontractualarrangements
Presentlawprohibitscertainpublicservantsfrombidingonorenteringintoanycontract
withstategovernment. Presentlawprovidesexceptionsforcertaincontracts.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawandfurtherprovidesanexceptionforrenewalsofcontracts
containinganoptiontoextendthecontractundercertaincircumstances.

Limitationsoffood,drink,andrefreshments

Presentlawlimitstheabilityofcertainpersonstoofferfood,drink, andrefreshmentsto
publicservantsincertaincircumstancesandprovidesexceptions.

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Proposedlawretainspresentlawandprovidesanadditionalexceptionallowingforpublic
servantstoparticipate ataneventhostedbycertaincharitableorganizationsheldforthe
purposeofeducatingthepublicservantonissuesthathavecomebefore,ormightreasonably
beexpectedtocomebeforethepublicservant,providedthatatleast10personsassociated
withtheorganizationareinvitedtothegathering.

Acceptanceofreasonabletransportation
Presentlawauthorizespublicservantstoacceptcomplimentaryreasonabletransportation
orreimbursementofsuchtransportationincertaincircumstances. Furtherrequiresthepublic
servanttomakecertaindisclosuresregardingacceptedtransportationincludingtheamount
expendedonhisbehalfforsuchtransportation.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawandfurtherprovidesforthemethodofcalculationofthe
amountexpendedonhisbehalfforairtransportationbyprivateaircraft.

ExceptionstoCodeofGovernmentalEthics
Presentlaw providesforexceptionstotheCodeofGovernmental Ethics,including
authorizationforamemberofthelegislaturemakingapublicspeechtoacceptfood,
refreshments, andlodgingreasonablyrelatedtomakingsuchspeech, aswellasreasonable
transportationfromhishome,orthecapitol,toandfromthesiteofthespeakingengagement
fromthesponsoringgroupororganization,providedthepublicspeechisgiveninanystate
oftheU.S.orCanadaandprovidedsuchmemberofthelegislaturefilesastatementwiththe
BoardofEthicsdisclosingcertaininformation.

ProposedlawretainspresentlawexceptasitrelatestospeechesgiveninCanada,andfurther
providesforauthorizationtoacceptfood,refreshments, andlodgingreasonablyrelatedto
makingaspeechinanycountryinNorthAmerica,theCarribean,ortheterritorialwatersof
Louisiana,andanyoffshorestructurelocatedontheoutercontinentalshelfseawardofsuch
territorialwatersandoffshoreofLa.

Proposedlawprovidesthatthepresentlawrequirementtodisclosecertaininformationonly
appliesifthememberofthelegislatureismakingthespeechoutsideLa.,theterritorial
watersthereof,oranyoffshorestructurelocatedontheoutercontinentalshelfseawardof
theterritorialwatersandoffshoreofLa.

Presentlawauthorizestheacceptancebyapublicservantofanythingofeconomicvalueas
agiftorgratuityfromanypersonwhenthevalueofsuch giftorgratuitydoesnotexceed
100perevent. Proposedlawfurtherprovidesthatthepublicservantmaynotreceivegifts
valuedmorethan $200inacalendaryear.

Presentlawauthorizesacceptancebyapublicservantofflowersordonationsinconnection
withthedeathofafamily member. Proposedlawfurtherprovidesthatthedonationmay
onlybetoa501(c)(3)charitableorganizationandprovidesthatthedonationorflowersmay
notexceedthevalueof $200.

Proposedlawauthorizesacceptancebyapublicservantofseasonalorholidayfoodsand
non-alcoholicbeveragesthatcommemorateareligiousorstateholidaynottoexceed $200
invalue.

ProposedlawauthorizesamemberortheexecutivedirectoroftheLa.RacingCommission
toownaracehorsewhichparticipatesinanyracemeetinglicensedbythecommissionora
horsethatsiredorbredaracehorsethatparticipatesinaracemeetinglicensedbythe
commission,ortoparticipateinabreederorstallionaward.

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Proposedlawauthorizesamemberoftheboardofanairportauthorityordistricttosolicit
orenterintocontractsorothertransactionsunderthesupervisionorjurisdictionofthe
authorityordistrict.

Financialdisclosures

Presentlaw providesforfinancialdisclosuresrequiredofstatewideelectedofficials,
departmentsecretaries, andothercertainpublicservants (Tier1). Proposedlaw retains
presentlaw andfurtherprovidesthatanypublicationorproductionofsuchfinancial
statementsshallhaveredactedtheaddressoftheresidenceoftheindividualwhoisrequired
tofileandtheprincipalbusinessaddressofthespouseoftheindividualwhoisrequiredto
file.

Presentlawprovidesforfinancialdisclosuresofcertainpublicservantsincludinglegislators,
membersoftheBoardofEthics,StateBoardofElementaryandSecondaryEducation,and
theBoardofPardons,amongothers (Tier2)andprovidesthatamountsmaybedisclosedby
thefollowingcategories:

a) CategoryI,lessthan $5,000. Proposedlawincreasesthevalue tolessthan

10,000.
b)CategoryII, 5 $,000-$24,999.Proposedlawincreasesthevalueto $10,000to
50,000.
c)CategoryIII,$25,000-$100,000.Proposedlawincreasesthevalueto$50,000
to $100,000.
d) CategoryIV,morethan $100,000. Proposedlawretainspresentlaw.

Presentlawprovidesforfinancialdisclosuresofelectedofficialsofvotingdistrictswitha
populationunder5,000,amongothers (Tier3)andrequiresdisclosureofincomereceived
fromcertainsources. Proposedlawincreasestheminimumvalueofreportableincomefrom
250to $500.

Presentlawrequirescertaindisclosuresofpersonsappointedtoastateboardorcommission
Tier2.1),whomadeacontributionorloantoacampaignoftheofficialwhoappointedhim.
Proposedlawincreasesthethresholdamountofthecontributionorloanrequiringdisclosure
from $1,000to $2,000.

Assessmentofpenalties
PresentlawprovidesfortheassessmentofpenaltiesbytheBoardofEthics.

Proposedlaw providesforthetimingofpublichearingsrelatedtotheassessmentof
penalties,requirednotices, informationavailabletothesubjectofahearing, subpoena
powers,andotherrightsofthesubjectofthehearing.

DutiesoftheBoardofEthics
Presentlawrequirestheboardtoprovidereportsandinformationtothegovernor,the
legislature, andtogoverningauthorities. Proposedlawprovidesthatsuchreportsshallbe
madesemi-annuallyandcontaincertaininformation.

Presentlaw requirestheboardtoconducteducationalactivities,seminars,andpublish
appropriatematerialswhichprovideinstructionandinformationconcerningtheCampaign
FinanceDisclosureActwhichshallbeavailabletopublicservantsinallstateandlocal
agencies,personswhodobusinesswithsuchagencies, candidates,lobbyists,andanyother
interestedpersons. Requirestheboardtomakeavailabletoallinterestedpersonsviathe
Internettrainingandeducational materialspertainingtotheCampaignFinanceDisclosure
Act.

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Proposedlawretainspresentlawandadditionallyrequirestheboardtoconducteducational
seminarstoeducatepersons, includingcommitteechairmenandtreasurers, professional
campaignmanagers, publicrelationsfirmsandadvertisingagencies, attorneys,andcertified
professionalaccountants, regardingtheCampaignFinancialDisclosureAct. Requiresthe
boardtomakereasonableeffortstoassurethattheseminarsqualifyforcontinuinglegal
educationcreditsandcontinuingeducationcreditsforcertifiedpublicaccountants.

InvestigationsandhearingsconductedbytheBoardofEthics
PresentlawprovidesfortheBoardofEthicstoconsidercomplaintsconcerningaviolation
oftheCodeofGovernmentalEthics.

Proposedlaw retainspresentlaw andrequirestheboardto,afterconsiderationofa

complaint,determinebyatwo-thirdsvotewhetherthereisreasontobelievethata
respondenthascommittedaviolationwarrantinganinvestigationbaseduponspecific
findingsprescribedbyproposedlaw.

Proposedlawrequirestheboardtogivearespondentnoticeofhisrighttocounselandright
nottoincriminatehimself.

Proposedlawauthorizesandprovidesproceduresfortheissuanceofsubpoenas.

Followinganinvestigation,presentlawauthorizestheBoardofEthicsortheEthics
AdjudicatoryBoardtoconducthearings.

ProposedlawretainspresentlawandrequirestheBoardofEthicstodetermine, byatwo-
thirdsvotewhethertoconductapublichearingbaseduponspecificfindingsprescribedby
proposedlaw.

PresentlawprovidesfornoticeandprocedureofhearingsconductedbytheBoardofEthics.

Proposedlaw retainspresentlaw andrequirestheBoardofEthicstoprovidecertain

informationtothesubjectofthehearingandprescribescertainrightsofthesubjectofthe
hearing.

Presentlawprovidesthatifanyelectedofficialwillfullyrefusesorfailstoappearbeforethe
BoardofEthicsortheEthicsAdjudicatory Boardoranycourtauthorizedtoconductany
hearingorinquiryorrefusestotestifyoransweranyquestionspecifically,directly,and
narrowlyrelatingtotheperformanceofhisofficialdutiesonthegroundthathistestimony
oranswerswouldtendtoincriminatehim,orrefusestoacceptimmunityfromprosecution
onaccountofanymatteraboutwhichhemaybeaskedtotestifyatsuchhearingorinquiry,
suchactionshallbegroundsfortheimpositionofpenaltiesincludingcensureorafineofnot
morethan $10,000.

Proposedlawrepealspresentlaw.

Amends 42:1102(22)(d), 1113(D)(2)(d), 1123(16) and ( 26), 1124.2(D),

1124.3(C)(1)(a)(introductory paragraph) and (b), 1124.4(D)(3), 1124.6(A)(2), 1134(I),
1141(B)(1) and (C), and 1141.4(B)(2), (C), (E), (F), (G), (H), and (I);Adds R.S.
42:1102(24), 1111(A)(7) and (8),1115.1(E)(3),1115.2(C), 1123(48) and (49), 1124(I),
1134(N)(3),1141(D), E),( F ( ),and (G), and 1141.4(B)(3), J
( ), (K), L
( ), M),
( and (N);
RepealsR.S.42:1141.4(D)(2))

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