Removes an ethics exception which allows a person to be employed by a board when the person has served as a member of the board as designee of a mayor of certain municipalities
Impact
The bill's enactment is expected to close a loophole in existing ethics regulations, thereby tightening the standards for board membership and appointment in larger municipalities. By eliminating this exception, the bill promotes greater accountability and helps to prevent potential favoritism or bias in board member appointments. It reflects a conscious effort to strengthen ethical conduct among public servants and enhance public trust in government operations.
Summary
House Bill 346, introduced by Representative Hilferty, aims to repeal an exception in the Code of Governmental Ethics. Specifically, the bill removes a provision that allowed individuals who had previously served as members of a board appointed by a mayor in municipalities with populations over 300,000 to be re-employed by that same board. This change is significant as it seeks to enhance the ethical standards concerning the employment of public officials within governmental boards, ensuring that previous public roles do not create conflicts of interest in future appointments.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 346 appears to be largely positive, particularly among ethics advocates and those supporting transparency in government. Many legislators recognized the necessity of the bill to strengthen ethical behavior among municipal boards, and it received unanimous support in the Senate, passing with a vote of 27 to 0. However, there may be some concerns among those who argue that such regulations could deter qualified individuals from serving on boards due to increased scrutiny over their past positions.
Contention
Despite the overarching support, the bill raised discussions about the implications of such stringent ethical standards for governance. Opponents may argue that removing the employment exception could limit the pool of eligible candidates for board positions, possibly hindering the operational effectiveness of these boards. The repeal of the exception signifies a balance between ensuring ethical governance and maintaining the ability of municipalities to appoint skilled individuals based on their experiences.
Repeals provision for recusal for members of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans and changes provisions permitting certain persons to serve on the board. (8/1/18)
Provides an exception to the provisions of law relative to ethical standards for public servants to members of the governing authority of certain municipalities. (8/1/12)
Allows the immediate family member of a mayor or governing authority member of a municipality with a population of five thousand or less or a legal entity in which the family member has an interest to enter into a transaction with the municipality subject to certain conditions
Authorizes certain transactions between Hospital Service District No. 3 of Vermilion Parish and a board member and legal entities in which a board member owns an interest
Provides for the not-for-profit organizations or funds within such organizations which may give donations to certain public employees affected by certain hurricanes, the time period during which public employees may accept contributions, and the deadline by which organizations must report such donations to the Board of Ethics
Provides relative to the certification and employment in schools of certain persons convicted of felony offenses and the assessment of civil fines against public school boards who hire certain persons
Removes provisions which allow an employer to waive the existence of certain criminal offenses when hiring any licensed ambulance personnel or nonlicensed persons. (8/15/10)