House Bill No. 160 aims to enhance the enforcement of ethics laws in Louisiana by amending existing provisions and introducing new regulations regarding ethics complaints. The bill allows the Board of Ethics to consider non-sworn complaints, provided they are submitted in writing and in person, and mandates that complainants present valid identification. It also specifies that sworn complaints must be notarized and include an oath attesting to their truthfulness. Additionally, the bill establishes a prohibition against retaliation for filing complaints, allowing complainants to pursue civil action if they face retaliatory measures.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for the Board of Ethics to handle complaints, including the requirement to send detailed notifications to both the complainant and the accused without redacting the complainant's name. It introduces penalties for individuals who knowingly file false complaints, allowing the Ethics Adjudicatory Board to assess attorney fees against them. Overall, the proposed changes aim to strengthen the integrity of the ethics complaint process and protect individuals who report violations.

Statutes affected:
HB160 Original: 42:1141(B)(1)
HB160 Engrossed: 42:1141(B)(1)
HB160 Reengrossed: 42:1141(B)(1)