Senate Bill No. 184, known as the "Transparent Responsible Use of State Tax-dollars (T.R.U.S.T.) Act," aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of state funding to nongovernmental entities. The bill amends existing law to require these entities to provide detailed information when requesting appropriations, including their most recent financial audit, a sworn statement of public purpose, and evidence of performing critical governmental functions that local or state governments cannot fulfill. Additionally, it mandates that entities submit certificates of compliance before any funds are released, ensuring they meet specific operational and financial criteria, such as maintaining a physical office in Louisiana and limiting administrative expenses to 15% of total expenditures.

The legislation also introduces stringent reporting and auditing requirements, including the submission of measurable outcomes and benchmarks within six months after the fiscal year in which funds were expended. It prohibits any public officials or their immediate family members from holding decision-making roles in entities receiving state funds and bans the use of state funds for lobbying activities. Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties for submitting false information and requires the state treasurer to maintain an online database of appropriated entities, ensuring public access to information regarding state funding. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB184 Original: 39:1(B)(7), 39:1(B)(10)