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 483 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Mike Johnson
Abstract: Allows for restitution of certain election expenses by persons convicted of election
offenses.
Present law (Ch. 10 of Title 18) provides for election offenses, including bribery; coercion; offenses
affecting registration; election fraud and forgery; offenses affecting election officials and watchers;
offenses involving threats and intimidation of voters, election officials, and candidates; and
tampering with election equipment. Provides penalties for violations of present law.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that in addition to the penalties provided in present
law, a person convicted pursuant to the provisions of present law may be ordered to make full or
partial restitution to the state, a local or municipal entity, or both, for election expenses incurred in
conducting a new election ordered as a result of the offense. Provides that if a person ordered to
make restitution is found to be unable to make restitution at the time of conviction, the court shall
order a periodic payment plan consistent with the person's ability to pay.
(Adds R.S. 18:1473)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill:
1. Remove the requirement that the convicted person be indigent in order to make
restitution through a periodic payment plan.