The bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning governmental ethics, particularly the Code of Governmental Ethics. It introduces new definitions and provisions related to payments from nonpublic sources to public servants, prohibited contractual arrangements, and limitations on food and drink. Key changes include the establishment of definitions for "public speech" and "reasonable transportation," which clarify the conditions under which public servants can accept benefits. The bill also modifies the acceptance of gifts by public servants, raising the threshold from $100 to $200 and allowing for seasonal foods and beverages under certain conditions. Additionally, it mandates electronic submission of financial statements and raises the minimum reporting threshold for income from $250 to $500.

Moreover, the bill enhances the procedures for the Board of Ethics regarding complaints and investigations, requiring notification to individuals who file non-sworn complaints about their final disposition. It introduces structured processes for investigations, including the ability to issue subpoenas and provide subjects with opportunities to respond before public hearings. The bill also outlines the rights of individuals involved in investigations, such as the right to counsel and protection against self-incrimination. It repeals certain existing provisions related to document handling in criminal proceedings and authorizes the Louisiana State Law Institute to reorganize definitions for clarity. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and due process within the ethics framework in Louisiana.

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)