House Bill No. by Representative Dickerson amends and reenacts R.S. 42:1141(B)(1) and enacts R.S. 42:1153(C) to enhance the procedures and penalties related to ethics complaints within the jurisdiction of the Board of Ethics. The bill allows the Board to consider non-sworn complaints by a two-thirds majority vote and mandates that all complaints, whether sworn or non-sworn, must be submitted in writing and include the complainant's full name. Additionally, the complainant is required to file the complaint in person and present valid identification. The bill also specifies that the name of the complainant will not be redacted when the complaint is sent to the accused.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that imposes attorney fees on complainants who knowingly and willfully file false ethics complaints. This aims to deter frivolous complaints and ensure accountability in the ethics complaint process. Overall, the proposed changes seek to streamline the complaint process, clarify the investigative powers of the Board, and establish stricter penalties for false claims.

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