The bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning governmental ethics, specifically the Code of Governmental Ethics. It introduces new definitions and provisions related to payments made to public servants from nonpublic sources, prohibited contractual arrangements, and limitations on food and drink. The legislation clarifies what constitutes a "thing of economic value," including exceptions for certain types of compensation and promotional items. It also outlines the duties of the Board of Ethics and the Ethics Adjudicatory Board, detailing procedures for filing financial disclosure statements and assessing penalties for non-compliance. Notably, the bill increases the threshold for reporting income from $250 to $500 and raises the lower limit for Category I financial reporting from $5,000 to $10,000.

Additionally, the bill enhances the procedural aspects of investigations by the Board of Ethics, ensuring individuals subject to hearings receive adequate notice and the opportunity to respond. It mandates electronic filing of financial statements and allows the Board to require written reports or answers under oath. The bill also emphasizes transparency by requiring detailed reporting on investigations and complaints, and it establishes rights for individuals under investigation, including the ability to address the Board regarding the final report. Furthermore, it repeals certain provisions related to the furnishing of documents in criminal proceedings and authorizes the Louisiana State Law Institute to reorganize definitions in the ethics statutes. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
HB674 Original: 42:1102(22), 42:1113(D)(2), 42:2(B)(1), 42:1123(16), 42:1124(C)(1), 42:2(D), 42:3(C)(1), 42:4(D)(3), 42:6(A)(2), 42:1134(I), 42:1141(B)(1), 42:2(A), 42:4(B)(2), 42:4(D)(2)
HB674 Engrossed: 42:1102(22), 42:1113(D)(2), 42:2(B)(1), 42:1123(16), 42:1124(C)(1), 42:2(D), 42:3(C)(1), 42:4(D)(3), 42:6(A)(2), 42:1134(I), 42:1141(B)(1), 42:2(A), 42:4(B)(2), 42:4(D)(2)
HB674 Reengrossed: 42:1102(22), 42:1113(D)(2), 42:2(B)(1), 42:1123(16), 42:1124(C)(1), 42:2(D), 42:3(C)(1), 42:4(D)(3), 42:6(A)(2), 42:1134(I), 42:1141(B)(1), 42:2(A), 42:4(B)(2), 42:4(D)(2)
HB674 Enrolled: 42:1102(22), 42:1113(D)(2), 42:2(B)(1), 42:1123(16), 42:1124(C)(1), 42:2(D), 42:3(C)(1), 42:4(D)(3), 42:6(A)(2), 42:1134(I), 42:1141(B)(1), 42:2(A), 42:4(B)(2), 42:4(D)(2)
HB674 Act 301: 42:1102(22), 42:1113(D)(2), 42:2(B)(1), 42:1123(16), 42:1124(C)(1), 42:2(D), 42:3(C)(1), 42:4(D)(3), 42:6(A)(2), 42:1134(I), 42:1141(B)(1), 42:2(A), 42:4(B)(2), 42:4(D)(2)