Louisiana House Bill HB14

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

Caption

Prohibits a former legislator from being appointed to or employed in any position in state government for a period of two years following the termination of his service as a legislator

Impact

The enactment of HB 14 is likely to impact the employment landscape for former legislators significantly. By enforcing a two-year waiting period before they can hold certain government positions, the bill aims to ensure that their prior legislative actions do not improperly influence their subsequent roles in state government. This restriction is designed to enhance public trust in government by upholding ethical boundaries between legislative service and executive positions. It aligns with existing laws governing post-service restrictions for various public officials and expands on them to specifically include legislators.

Summary

House Bill 14 introduces a significant change regarding post-service employment for former legislators in Louisiana. Specifically, this bill prohibits any former legislator from being appointed to or employed in any unclassified position in state government for a duration of two years following the end of their legislative service. This measure aims to bolster ethical standards within the state by reducing potential conflicts of interest that may arise from former legislators transitioning directly into government positions after their service in the legislature.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 14 appears to be supportive among advocates of government ethics reform. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary move towards fostering accountability and integrity within the public sector. However, some voices may raise concerns about the potential limitations this could impose on the career opportunities of former legislators, questioning whether such restrictions could hinder their ability to contribute their expertise and experience to the state after their legislative work has concluded.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards enhancing ethical practices, there could be contention surrounding the specifics of its implementation. Critics may argue that a blanket two-year restriction could be overly broad, potentially denying qualified individuals the opportunity to serve in roles where they could be beneficial to the state. Furthermore, discussions may arise regarding how these restrictions might impact the flow of experienced individuals into key positions within the government, a concern that will likely continue to fuel debates among legislators and the public alike.