This bill amends existing laws regarding candidate qualifying fees for elections in Louisiana and establishes the Campaign Sign Recycling Fund. It enacts new provisions that require candidates, other than those for membership on the state central committee or parish executive committee of a political party, to pay an additional qualifying fee of twenty-five dollars. This additional fee will be deposited into the newly created Campaign Sign Recycling Fund, which is established as a special fund in the state treasury. The fund will receive revenues from candidate qualifying fees and other designated sources, and the Secretary of State will be responsible for appropriating these funds for the recycling of political campaign signs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the qualifying fees for presidential electors not affiliated with a recognized political party, increasing the fee from five hundred dollars to one thousand dollars. Candidates must also pay the additional qualifying fee as specified. The bill outlines the procedures for the collection and use of these fees, including the powers and duties of the state treasurer and the Secretary of State in managing the fund. The provisions of this bill will take effect on August 1, 2025, for candidates qualifying after that date.

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