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 820 Original 2016 Regular Session Pugh
Abstract: Prohibits certain coercive activities related to nonprofit organizations engaged in
lobbying activity.
Present law (R.S. 24:50 et seq.) provides for the registration and regulation of persons engaged in
lobbying the legislature. Requires lobbyists to report expenditures made for the purpose of lobbying
monthly. Provides for certain prohibited conduct.
Proposed law additionally prohibits an officer, director, employee, or agent of a nonprofit
organization or officer, director, employee, or agent of a member of a nonprofit organization or any
other person acting on behalf of such a nonprofit organization or nonprofit member from using the
authority or influence of his bargaining position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to
compel or coerce any person or agent thereof to contribute anything of economic value to a nonprofit
organization engaged in lobbying activity as a condition or implied condition of engaging in a
business or financial relationship with the nonprofit organization or nonprofit member or agent
acting on behalf of the nonprofit organization or member.
Proposed law specifies that any person who violates the provisions of proposed law shall be subject
to the penalties contained in present law (R.S. 42:1153) for violations of the ethics code and other
laws under the jurisdiction of the ethics board (censure by the board or the imposition of a fine of
not more than $10,000, or both). Further provides that the ethics board may recommend to the
legislature that the legislature censure any person found guilty of a violation proposed law and
prohibit such person from lobbying or from engaging a lobbyist for not less than 30 days and not
more than one year. Specifies that the board shall afford any person accused of such a violation a
hearing in accordance with the administration and enforcement provisions of the ethics code.
Further specifies that such penalties shall be in addition to any other applicable penalties or any other
remedy or relief provided by law.
(Adds R.S. 24:56(H) and 58.2)