Louisiana House Bill HB90

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/17
• Refer: 3/23/17
• Refer: 4/10/17
• Report Pass: 4/19/17
• Engrossed: 4/26/17
• Refer: 4/27/17
• Report Pass: 5/17/17
• Enrolled: 5/24/17
• Chaptered: 6/3/17
• Passed: 6/3/17

Caption

Provides relative to donations received by public servants for the purposes of disaster aid or relief to provide aid or to offset losses resulting from a gubernatorially declared disaster or emergency

Impact

The introduction of HB 90 modifies existing laws regarding governmental ethics by introducing a new provision within the Code of Governmental Ethics that permits specific donations in disaster situations. The bill repeals the previous exception that was narrowly tailored to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, thus expanding the scope of permissible donations to all future disasters declared by the governor. The retroactive application of this bill aims to provide clear guidelines and support for public servants who may face financial challenges due to emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 90 addresses the ethical guidelines for public servants receiving donations during declared disasters or emergencies. Specifically, the bill allows public servants to accept monetary contributions or donations from not-for-profit organizations aimed at offsetting economic losses incurred as a result of such disasters. This acceptance is limited to a maximum value of $25,000, and the bill mandates that organizations must establish objective criteria for evaluating the need for and the disbursement of such contributions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 90 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who view it as a necessary and ethical means to aid public servants during crises. Its proponents argue that in times of unforeseen disaster, it is critical to have support mechanisms in place that allow for the swift disbursement of aid to those who serve the public. However, there may be underlying concerns about ensuring transparency and accountability in the donation process to prevent misuse of contributions.

Contention

Potential contention surrounding the bill may arise from concerns about the influence of not-for-profit organizations over public servants and the ethical implications of such financial interactions. Critics may argue that the acceptance of donations, even under the guise of disaster relief, opens avenues for favoritism or undue influence, necessitating strict oversight and stringent reporting requirements to mitigate these risks. Overall, the bill indicates a balancing act between supporting public servants and maintaining ethical integrity in governance.