Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB181

Introduced
2/24/22  
Refer
2/24/22  
Refer
2/24/22  

Caption

Relative to the splitting of profits, fees, or commissions for traffic fines (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

Impact

The proposed law significantly alters the way state agencies and local law enforcement agencies handle the proceeds from traffic fines. Under the new stipulations, any contracts that involve the splitting of these revenues must be recorded as public documents, promoting transparency and accountability. Violators of this law could face severe penalties, with fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to ten years. This aspect aims to deter unlawful agreements and enhance public trust in the administration of traffic laws.

Summary

House Bill 181 seeks to regulate the financial relationships between state agencies, law enforcement agencies, and private entities regarding the proceeds from traffic fines. The bill explicitly prohibits the sharing or splitting of profits, fees, or commissions derived from traffic fines with any private entity or company. By doing so, it aims to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest that could arise from such profit-sharing arrangements, thereby ensuring that traffic fine revenues are solely directed towards public purposes rather than private gain.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 181 appears to be supportive, primarily from those who advocate for governmental accountability and ethical enforcement of traffic laws. Supporters argue that the bill strengthens the integrity of law enforcement agencies and prevents potential abuses of power. However, there are concerns regarding the implications for funding and resources for law enforcement, as some argue that these private arrangements might have previously provided necessary funding to support local law enforcement functions.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the balance between ensuring accountability and maintaining adequate funding for police departments. Critics may argue that this prohibition could lead to budgetary constraints for law enforcement agencies if they are unable to secure additional funding from private partnerships. The challenge lies in finding alternative funding sources that do not compromise the ethical standards set forth by HB 181, making this a pivotal issue in discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB242

Requires recording of certain public work and material and supplies contracts and certain amendments, revisions, and change orders; increases fines and criminal penalties for splitting profits, fees, and commissions. (8/15/11) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

LA SB71

Requires state and local contractors to disclose the full disposition, splitting, or sharing of contract commissions, fees, or other consideration by an "affidavit of notice of fee disposition" if the contract is let without bid. (7/1/10) (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA SB299

Provides relative to fees, charges, penalties, and fines for certain traffic violations.(gov sig) (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)

LA HB138

Provides for restitution and disgorgement of profits (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

LA HB336

Creates the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission and the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Commission police (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

LA HB573

Provides relative to the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

LA SB88

Provides relative to victims of human trafficking. (gov sig) (RR1 SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

LA SB1463

MINORS-NO FEES OR FINES

LA HB1264

Traffic infractions; discretionary juvenile fines, costs, and fees.

LA HB374

Limits fines imposed for traffic offenses captured by automated traffic enforcement systems (OR DECREASE LF RV See Note)

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