Louisiana Senate Bill SB132

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Prohibits former legislators, for a period of two years following the end of public service as a legislator, from being employed or appointed by the state. (gov sig)

Impact

The passage of SB132 has implications for the recruitment and appointment processes within state agencies and could deter former legislators from pursuing immediate positions within the government. The bill ensures there is a cooling-off period before former legislators can engage in governmental roles, thus sustaining the integrity of state operations. This measure reinforces the standards of conduct expected from public officials and aims to promote transparency and accountability in state governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 132 (SB132) aims to strengthen governmental ethics by prohibiting former state legislators from being employed or appointed to any state position for a period of two years following the end of their legislative service. This bill seeks to prevent conflicts of interest and the potential for corruption that could arise if former legislators quickly transition into state positions after leaving office. SB132 enacts a new section into the code of governmental ethics, which expands current regulations on post-employment activities for elected officials.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SB132 appeared largely supportive among lawmakers and advocacy groups advocating for ethical governance. Proponents view the law as an essential mechanism for ensuring that former legislators do not exploit their former positions for personal or financial gain. However, there may be some dissent among those who believe that such restrictions could limit experienced personnel from engaging in state service shortly after their legislative careers.

Contention

Despite the overall support for SB132, discussions may surface around the implications of the two-year waiting period. Detractors might argue that this period could hinder good governance by preventing valuable legislative experience from contributing to state agencies. Some may also challenge whether the law inadvertently complicates the staffing of critical agencies that benefit from the expertise of former legislators. Nevertheless, the overarching aim of the bill is to maintain ethical standards and prevent post-office exploitation.