Provides exception from financial disclosure requirements for members of certain boards and commissions that do not earn compensation or per diem and provides exception to post service restrictions for certain contracts. (See Act)
Impact
Should SB 87 be enacted, it would amend existing state laws regarding financial disclosures and post-service restrictions, specifically for those involved with the East Union Parish Hospital Service District. The repeal of the current prohibition on post-service contracts is intended to facilitate smoother operations and increase collaboration between former board members and current board entities. This change underwrites a more flexible governance posture in the healthcare sector while maintaining overall integrity standards, albeit with notable adjustments.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 87, authored by Senator Perry, introduces significant changes to the financial disclosure requirements for members of specific boards and commissions in Louisiana. The bill's primary aim is to create an exception for those serving on boards that do not earn compensation or per diem. Additionally, it provides certain former members the ability to enter into contracts with their respective boards post-service, something prohibited under the existing Code of Governmental Ethics. This legislative change is crucial for streamlining post-service transitions for board members who may otherwise face legal conflicts due to stringent ethics regulations.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 87 appears to be mixed among lawmakers and public stakeholders. Supporters believe that providing exceptions for specific boards and easing stringent ethical barriers could enhance efficiency and attract skilled individuals to serve on critical boards without fears of retribution affecting future employment opportunities. However, critics express concerns that these exceptions could undermine the foundational tenets of ethical governance and accountability, thereby easing potential conflicts of interest and promoting a culture of impropriety.
Contention
The main point of contention revolves around the balance between facilitating cooperation among healthcare service boards and maintaining strict ethics regulations that govern public service conduct. Opponents of the bill echo fears that reducing these restrictions could lead to greater risks of favoritism or financial misconduct. The discussions highlighted a broader debate about how best to reform ethics laws to meet contemporary governance challenges while ensuring that ethical standards are upheld and public trust is maintained.
Provides relative to compensation and benefits of, certain restrictions on, and disclosure requirements for members of the Board of Pardons (EG -$104,704 GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to qualifications, compensation, and benefits of, restrictions on, and disclosure requirements for the members (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to qualifications, compensation, and benefits of, restrictions on, and disclosure requirements for the members of the Gaming Control Board (OR DECREASE SD EX See Note)
Provides that a website established and maintained by the commissioner of administration shall be the official journal of the state and requires him to post certain information about boards and commissions on it (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides relative to disclosure and remittance of revenues in excess of certain contractual amounts in certain circumstances for certain contractors with the state's Office of Group Benefits (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG RV)