House Bill No. 265, introduced by Representative Amedee, enacts a new provision under R.S. 49:186 that addresses the description of benefits, products, and services provided by governmental entities. The bill specifically prohibits any institution, board, commission, department, agency, official, or employee of the state or its political subdivisions from using the term "free" when describing any benefit, product, or service that is financed with public funds.
This legislation aims to ensure transparency and clarity regarding the funding of government services, preventing any potential misunderstanding that may arise from the use of the term "free" in this context. By establishing this prohibition, the bill seeks to promote accountability in how government entities communicate about the resources they provide to the public.