With the Governor’s Special Session on Ethics set to begin tomorrow, here is a review of three bills that deal exclusively with campaign finance reform. The substance of these bills was surprising, because Governor Jindal didn’t really address campaign finance reform during the election. But thankfully, the issue is being brought up by a handful of both Republican and Democrat Representatives and Senators.
SB 14, introduced by Democratic Senator Rob Marionneaux, will require the name of third-party entities on the face of paid political advertisements.
Proposed law removes this exception and provides that whenever any person, political committee, entity or organization makes a disbursement for the purpose of the financing of any electioneering communication, then that must comply with the following:
(1) If the communication is paid for and authorized by a candidate, an authorized political committee of a candidate, or its agents, it shall clearly state that the communication has been paid for by such authorized political committee.
(2) If the communication is paid for by other persons, but authorized by a candidate, an authorized political committee of a candidate, or its agents, it shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by such other persons and authorized by such authorized political committee.
(3) If the communication is not authorized by a candidate, a political committee of a candidate, or its agents, it shall clearly state the name, address, and telephone number or world-wide web address of the person, committee, entity or organization who paid for the communication and state that the communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
Provides that for purposes of proposed law the term “electioneering communication” means any broadcast, cable, or satellite communication that refers to a clearly identified candidate for elected office and is made within sixty days before a general, special or runoff electionfor the candidate.
Proposed law requires that any oral, visual, or written material constituting a paid political announcement or advertisement that is distributed for a candidate for political office, which is paid for by a third-party entity, shall include the name of the third-party entity on the face of the advertisement so that the name of the third-party entity is clear and understandable.
Effective January 1, 2010.
Democratic Senator Ben Nevers is introducing SB 24, which will eliminate the “exception for free tickets and prohibit any preferential status or treatment
in purchase of tickets to athletic and cultural events based on an individual’s status as a public servant.” Quoting:
A. The legislature hereby finds and declares that training, education, enforcement, and public perception of ethical standards for public servants in Louisiana are jeopardized and undermined when a public servant is allowed to request or receive certain preferential treatment by virtue of their office or position. The emoluments of public office or position should not include favoritism in the ability to attend certain public events, to the detriment or exclusion of other citizens of this state.
Marionneaux also introduces a crucial campaign finance bill, SB 29, which will require “the filing of campaign reports by qualified 26 U.S.C.A. §527 political organizations regarding all persons making contributions to the organization, the amount of such contributions, and the expenditures made by the organizations.”
Awesome.
From the digest:
Proposed law relative to campaign finance, provides that the term “political committee” or “committee” include a political organization as defined in 26 U.S.C.A. §527(e)(1).
Proposed law requires any political organization defined in 26 U.S.C.A. §527(e)(1) reports as required for political committees regarding contributors, the amount of contributions, and the expenditures made by such organization for the purpose of directly or indirectly accepting contributions or making expenditures, or both, for an exempt function as defined in 26 U.S.C.A. §527(e)(2). Requires that these reports be filed at the same time and contain the same information as required for political committees. Proposed law requires political organizations to also file reports during the period beginning at midnight of the 20th day prior to a primary election and extending through midnight of primary election day, and during the period beginning at midnight of the 20th day prior to a general election and extending through midnight of general election day, containing the full name and address of each person from whom the political organization has received and accepted a contribution, or to whom such organization has made an expenditure during such period in excess of $250.00. Requires that the report be filed within 48 hours after the time the contribution is received or expenditure made. If this time period falls other than during regular working hours, then it is to be filed as soon as possible after the opening of the office of the supervisory committee on the next working day.
Republican State Senator Bob Kostelka is introducing SB31, which will require anyone who donates more than $250 to disclose their employer and their occupation. This will give the people of Louisiana a better ability to determine which lobbying groups and business interests are exerting the most influence in the electoral process. Kudos.
We’re a long way from true campaign finance reform, but these measures will be a good start. Still, we’re nowhere close to a gold standard.
CenLamar 