Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB208

Introduced
2/25/22  
Introduced
2/25/22  
Refer
2/25/22  
Refer
2/25/22  
Refer
3/14/22  
Refer
3/14/22  
Report Pass
3/23/22  
Report Pass
3/23/22  
Engrossed
3/29/22  
Engrossed
3/29/22  
Refer
4/4/22  
Refer
4/4/22  
Report Pass
5/4/22  
Report Pass
5/4/22  
Enrolled
5/18/22  
Enrolled
5/18/22  
Chaptered
5/25/22  
Passed
5/25/22  

Caption

Changes the definition of political committee

Impact

The amendments made by HB 208 will have a significant impact on existing campaign finance statutes. By expanding the definition of political committees, entities that were previously exempt may now be subject to stricter reporting requirements. This change ensures that more organizations disclose their financial activities related to political initiatives, which aims to foster accountability and transparency in campaign financing. As such, the legislation may alter the landscape of political funding, requiring more groups to adhere to the same regulations as traditional political parties and committees.

Summary

House Bill 208 primarily focuses on amending and reenacting specific sections of Louisiana's campaign finance laws. It changes the definition of a 'political committee' to encompass a broader range of entities involved in political contributions and expenditures. The revisions aim to clarify what constitutes a political committee, particularly concerning the acceptance of funds and the types of services provided related to political activities. This redefinition could potentially affect how many organizations report their fundraising efforts and expenditures around elections, thereby increasing transparency in campaign finance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 208 appears to be generally supportive among those concerned with enhancing transparency in campaign finances. Advocates argue that the bill's provisions will help prevent corruption and conflicts of interest by ensuring that more organizations involved in political financing uphold stringent disclosure standards. However, there may also be concerns from smaller organizations that could find the new regulations burdensome, potentially stifiling their ability to participate in political discourse effectively.

Contention

The primary points of contention relating to this bill include the balance between necessary regulation and the potential for over-regulation that may hinder grassroots organizations. Critics may argue that the expanded definition of political committees could be overly inclusive, capturing entities like local nonprofits that support specific causes but are not necessarily traditional political actors. This could lead to an influx of paperwork and complexity in compliance for smaller entities, raising debates over the effectiveness and implications of such regulatory measures in political campaigning.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA H7847

Includes political action committees that register with the Federal Election Commission within the definition of political action committees for the Rhode Island elections.

LA SB407

Changes the definition of "expenditure" in the Election Code. (8/1/24)

LA HB596

Provides for revisions to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act (OR +$97,000 GF EX See Note)

LA HB693

Provides for revisions to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act (EN +$97,000 GF EX See Note)

LA SB302

Fair Campaign Practices Act; definitions of electioneering communications, expenditures, and political action committee revised; reporting requirements for electioneering communications revised

LA HF3645

Local candidate financial report requirements amended; Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board required to oversee campaign finance reporting requirements for political committees, political funds, and party units engaged in campaign activity; definition of committee amended for purposes of chapter 211A; and technical and conforming changes made.

LA HB2099

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

LA SB11

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

LA HB542

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

LA HB1300

Provides relative to limits applicable to contributions made by a political committee to a recognized political party or any committee thereof

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