Louisiana House Bill HB1226

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/14
• Refer: 4/2/14

Caption

Requires a former elected official to remove certain signs and avoid using certain letterhead following the termination of the holding of elected public office

Impact

This bill introduces a new state law wherein civil penalties of up to $500 can be imposed by district attorneys for non-compliance with the sign removal and letterhead regulations. It empowers district attorneys to take judicial action against former officials who fail to adhere to the law after they receive notification of any violations. The law also requires that former officials are given a grace period of 30 days to comply before any penalties are enforced. This aspect is significant as it formally establishes a procedural enforcement mechanism through which the law will be upheld.

Summary

House Bill 1226 mandates that individuals who have previously held elected public offices must remove all signage and cease using letterhead that implies they continue to hold such positions within six months of leaving office. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent misinformation and confusion in the public sphere concerning the status of former elected officials. By instituting these requirements, the bill aims to uphold transparency in governmental representation and to ensure that former officials do not mislead constituents about their current roles or authority.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1226 appears to be supportive of clarifying the boundaries of former officials' rights to project authority post-tenure. Supporters argue that such measures are essential to maintain public trust and to avoid any potential abuse of credibility by those no longer in office. However, there may be concerns regarding the fair and equitable application of the law, particularly regarding the $500 penalty, which some critics might argue could be overly punitive for minor infractions.

Contention

Notable points of contention around this bill may stem from discussions on the appropriateness of the penalties, as well as the implications for freedom of expression for former officials. Critics may express concerns about the potential overreach of government in regulating the actions of private individuals seeking to maintain their public presence post-office. Balancing the need for clarity in public communications with the rights of individuals to maintain personal branding can become a contentious issue, particularly among those who emphasize personal liberties.