The bill, HB 686, aims to enhance the disclosure requirements for lobbyists representing foreign adversaries and foreign corporations in Louisiana. It introduces definitions for "foreign adversary" and "foreign corporation," specifying that a foreign adversary includes entities identified under federal law and excludes those registered with the U.S. General Services Administration. The bill mandates that lobbyists disclose specific information, such as the name and address of the foreign adversary or corporation they represent, ownership details, and copies of financial transactions related to their lobbying activities. Additionally, it establishes a separate disclosure requirement for lobbyists representing foreign corporations.

Key amendments to the bill include raising the ownership disclosure threshold from 5% to 30%, exempting certain lobbying activities conducted by foreign government officials from disclosure, and requiring the Board of Ethics to maintain a searchable database of disclosures. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2026. The bill also emphasizes transparency by allowing the Board of Ethics to share data with officials in other states and to create rules necessary for implementing the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
HB686 Original: 24:57(3)
HB686 Engrossed: 24:57(3)
HB686 Reengrossed: 24:57(3)
HB686 Enrolled: 24:57(3)
HB686 Act : 24:57(3)