House Bill No. by Representative Beaullieu proposes comprehensive amendments to the Code of Governmental Ethics in Louisiana, focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability among public servants. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "public speech," and clarifies the conditions under which public servants can accept transportation, food, and lodging related to their official duties. It raises the threshold for reporting campaign contributions from $1,000 to $2,000 for individuals appointed to state boards or commissions and modifies the financial disclosure requirements, including increasing the reporting thresholds for various income categories. Additionally, the bill expands exceptions for accepting gifts and transportation, allowing legislators to accept certain benefits for speeches in North America and the Caribbean, with specific disclosure requirements.

The bill also revises the procedures and rights of public servants during investigations and hearings conducted by the Board of Ethics. Key provisions include the requirement for the Board to provide respondents with a final report summarizing investigations, the opportunity to respond to this report, and the ability to present statements during executive sessions. It mandates that hearings be recorded by a certified court reporter and allows individuals to have legal counsel present. Furthermore, the bill enhances the Board's authority regarding investigations, including the issuance of subpoenas, and requires a two-thirds vote to proceed with public hearings. Notably, it repeals the provision that penalized elected officials for refusing to testify, thereby altering the consequences for non-compliance with the Board's inquiries.

Statutes affected:
HB397 Original: 42:1102(22), 42:1113(D)(2), 42:1123(16), 42:2(D), 42:3(C)(1), 42:4(D)(3), 42:6(A)(2), 42:1134(I), 42:1141(B)(1), 42:4(B)(2), 42:4(D)(2)