Louisiana Senate Bill SB272

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/18/14
• Engrossed: 3/25/14
• Refer: 3/26/14
• Report Pass: 5/13/14
• Enrolled: 6/2/14
• Chaptered: 6/23/14
• Passed: 6/23/14

Caption

Provides that changes to the forms by the Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance and personal financial disclosure forms by the Board of Ethics shall be accomplished through approval of the Committees on Senate and Governmental Affairs and House and Governmental Affairs. (8/1/14)

Impact

The enactment of SB 272 is expected to streamline the process of reporting by requiring a standard format for all financial disclosure forms. This legislative change promotes greater uniformity and consistency in reporting across various entities, potentially reducing confusion for those required to submit reports. Additionally, by mandating that forms receive legislative approval, the bill seeks to foster transparency and accountability within campaign finance practices in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 272 focuses on the approval process of forms and reports related to campaign finance and ethics in Louisiana. The bill amends specific statutes regarding the responsibilities of the Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance and the Board of Ethics, establishing a requirement for both the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to review and approve any proposed forms. This adjustment aims to enhance oversight and ensure that forms meet legislative standards before they are utilized in compliance with campaign finance laws.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding SB 272 was supportive among legislators who believe that enhancing the approval process will lead to better governance in campaign finance. Advocates argued that such measures are necessary to maintain... maintain integrity in political finance. However, there were concerns from various stakeholders about potential delays and bureaucratic obstacles that may hinder timely disclosures, with some arguing that excessive oversight could complicate compliance.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB 272 revolved around the balance of oversight versus operational efficiency. Critics pointed out that while increased approval requirements could improve accountability, they may also slow down necessary updates to financial forms and instructions. Additionally, opposition voiced worries that the legislative bodies might politicize the approval process, potentially affecting the non-partisan nature of campaign finance regulations that are crucial for fair democratic practices.