DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 272 Original 2016 Regular Session Smith
Abstract: Allows a public servant to accept complimentary admission to a fundraising event held
by or for the benefit of an educational institution or a nonprofit organization which conducts
educational programs, excluding professional, semi-professional, or collegiate sporting
events.
Present law (R.S. 42:1111 and 1115 – ethics code) generally prohibits public servants from
receiving things of economic value from specified prohibited sources or for certain duties related to
the public position. Present law provides certain exceptions, including allowing a public servant
to accept complimentary admission to a civic, non-profit, educational, or political event when the
public servant is a program honoree, giving a speech at the event, or a panel member for a discussion
occurring at the event and allowing a public servant to accept complimentary admission to a
fundraising event for a candidate or political party. Present law specifically excludes from such
exceptions admission to any professional, semi-professional, or collegiate sporting event.
Proposed law additionally provides an exception to allow a public servant to accept complimentary
admission to a fundraising event held by or for the benefit of an educational institution or by or for
the benefit of a nonprofit organization which conducts educational programs. Proposed law
maintains the exclusion from such exception admission to any professional, semi-professional, or
collegiate sporting event.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 42:1123(13)(a)(iii))