Louisiana’s ethics code generally prohibits public servants from receiving things of economic value, barring certain exceptions. Past exceptions, such as free tickets to events and lavish wining and dining from special interest groups, fueled public perception that access to policy makers could be bought. As a result, exceptions such as these were eliminated or scaled back during the ethics reform efforts of 2008. One bill currently being considered by the Legislature (HB 591) would move in the opposite direction and expand an exception that allows lobbyists to buy food and drink for public employees. This effort should be rejected.
Prior to 2008, public servants (public employees and elected officials) were allowed to consume any food and drink provided by a third party as long as they were the personal guest of the provider. In 2008, the Legislature limited the value of food and drink that could be given by a lobbyist at any one event to $50 per public servant. However, the Legislature provided certain instances where the $50 limit would not apply, including gatherings held “in conjunction with” a meeting related a national or regional organization, or a statewide organization of government officials or employees.
A recent disagreement between certain legislators and the state’s Board of Ethics prompted the introduction of HB 591 — an effort by legislators to clarify what they originally intended regarding the exception. The debate focuses on what types of gatherings are considered to be ones held “in conjunction with” the larger meetings listed above, as those gatherings are exempt from the $50 food and drink limit. To read the full column, click here.
Jim Brandt is president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. To reach him, click here.
