House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes to increase candidate qualifying fees for elections in Louisiana and establishes the Campaign Sign Recycling Fund as a special fund within the state treasury. The bill mandates an additional qualifying fee of $25 for each candidate, which will be collected alongside existing fees and directed into the newly created fund. The state treasurer is responsible for managing the fund, including investing its resources similarly to the state general fund, with any interest earned being deposited back into the general fund. Unused funds at the end of the fiscal year will remain in the Campaign Sign Recycling Fund.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the funds collected will be appropriated to the secretary of state specifically for the recycling of political campaign signs. The secretary of state is also granted the authority to create rules necessary for the implementation of this recycling program. The provisions of the bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action, with certain aspects becoming effective on January 1, 2026. The bill amends existing laws related to candidate qualifying fees and introduces new sections to facilitate these changes.

Statutes affected:
HB648 Original: 18:1254(A), 18:22(A)