Senate Bill No. by Senator Kleinpeter seeks to amend the Louisiana Election Code to improve campaign finance transparency and regulations. The bill introduces new definitions for "electioneering communications" and "recognized political party," while establishing comprehensive reporting requirements for contributions and expenditures by political committees, recognized parties, and legislative delegations. Key provisions include mandates for clear identification of funding sources in electioneering communications and the inclusion of specific information in advertisements. The bill also raises the threshold for in-kind contributions to $250 and modifies the reporting obligations for smaller committees, increasing the filing threshold from $1,000 to $5,000.

Additionally, the bill updates various aspects of campaign finance laws, including extending the annual reporting deadline from February 28 to March 15 and raising the aggregate amount for individual contributors from $25 to $250 within a calendar year. It clarifies the treatment of expenditures made to public relations firms and advertising agencies, differentiating reporting requirements based on the amount. The bill also introduces a certification process for candidates or committees with minimal financial activity and establishes new contribution limits, including a cap of $250,000 per calendar year for individuals contributing to recognized political parties. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance accountability and streamline reporting processes in campaign financing while ensuring greater transparency.

Statutes affected:
SB495 Original: 18:1463(C), 18:1483(3), 18:1483(6), 18:1(A), 18:2(A)(3), 18:5(B)(2), 18:6(D)(1), 18:6(E), 18:6(E)(1), 18:7(B)(4), 18:9(C)(2), 18:3(B)(2), 18:4(C)(1), 18:4(E), 18:4(E)(1), 18:5(B)(5), 18:1(C), 18:3(C), 18:2(B)(2), 18:2(H)(2), 18:2(I)(1), 18:2(I)(2), 18:2(I)(5), 18:2(7), 18:2(K), 18:2(L)(2), 18:2(L)(5), 18:2(M)(5), 18:2(O)(1), 18:1(A)(1), 18:1463(C)(5)