House Bill No. [insert number] introduced by Representative Bayham aims to enhance the regulation of campaign contributions by prohibiting certain solicitation practices. The bill enacts R.S. 18:1468.1, which specifically makes it illegal for any person to knowingly, willfully, or intentionally solicit contributions through methods such as fraud, duress, deception, intimidation, undue influence, exploitation, extortion, or impersonating a candidate or government official. The definitions of "contribution" and "candidate" will align with those provided in the existing Campaign Finance Disclosure Act.

The proposed legislation establishes criminal penalties for violations, with first offenses subject to a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. For second or subsequent offenses, the penalties increase to a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment at hard labor for up to five years, or both. This bill aims to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process by deterring unethical solicitation practices in campaign financing.