Louisiana House Bill HB86

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/18
• Refer: 2/20/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 3/14/18
• Engrossed: 3/20/18
• Refer: 3/21/18
• Report Pass: 4/25/18
• Enrolled: 5/18/18
• Chaptered: 5/30/18
• Passed: 5/30/18

Caption

Provides ethics exceptions to allow a public servant of a political subdivision, his immediate family members, or related legal entities to enter into specified transactions under the supervision or jurisdiction of the agency of the public servant under certain circumstances

Impact

The bill serves to relax certain strictures within Louisiana's ethics laws, which govern the actions of public officials to prevent conflicts of interest. By allowing public servants and their families to engage in transactions involving public facilities, the legislation addresses the practical realities of community interactions while still maintaining rules to prevent preferential treatment. It specifically impacts how local government members can interact with the facilities they manage, reflecting a shift towards more lenient ethical guidelines in these areas.

Summary

House Bill 86 is focused on amending ethics laws related to public servants operating parks and recreation facilities in Louisiana. Specifically, it establishes exceptions that allow governing authority members and public employees of political subdivisions, along with their immediate family members, to rent park facilities. The bill emphasizes that such transactions must be conducted without preference and must adhere to the same conditions and fees applicable to the general public. This amendment aims to clarify rules regarding financial dealings between public officials and their local communities.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 86 appears to be generally positive among its supporters. Advocates argue that the bill is necessary to eliminate unnecessary barriers and facilitate community engagement with public facilities. However, there may be concerns raised by some who view any relaxation of ethics laws as a potential for conflict of interest, highlighting a need for vigilance in maintaining transparency and accountability.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 86 center on the balance between facilitating community use of public resources and ensuring that public servants do not exploit their positions for personal gain. Critics of the bill may fear that allowing family members of public officials to enter into contracts could lead to unethical behavior or perceptions of favoritism. The bill’s supporters counter that with clear regulations in place, the potential for conflicts of interest can be managed effectively.