Senate Bill No. by Senator Edmonds aims to enhance election integrity by prohibiting betting or wagering on elections in Louisiana. The bill introduces a new provision under R.S. 18:1461.7(A)(10), which makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly participate in any form of betting or wagering related to elections. This includes making offers, accepting bets, taking monetary interests, providing funds for bets, or acting in any capacity that connects them to a wager on an election.

The bill retains existing penalties for election offenses, which include fines and imprisonment for violations. Specifically, the penalties for engaging in election offenses, including the newly added betting prohibition, are a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year for a first offense, and up to $2,500 or five years for subsequent offenses. The proposed law is set to take effect on August 1, 2025.