Louisiana Legislator Tackles Ethics Reforms Amid Personal Struggles with Compliance

Louisiana’s New Ethics Changes: What’s Happening in Shreveport

Shreveport, Louisiana – It’s been quite the journey for Rep. Steven Jackson this past legislative session. As a fresh face in the Louisiana Legislature, many expect new lawmakers to dive straight into bringing back funds for their districts or focusing on broader policies. But for Jackson, his first two bills took an interesting turn – they were aimed at none other than Louisiana’s Board of Ethics!

Making Changes to the Ethics Game

Jackson’s first bill seeks to cut down on the frequency with which elected officials must file their personal financial disclosure forms with the state ethics agency. In simpler terms, fewer filings mean less paperwork for politicians! His second bill tackles the fines for lobbyists who file their paperwork late. Instead of hefty penalties, lobbyists will now enjoy some relief thanks to this new measure that reduces late fees significantly.

Both of these pieces of legislation went into effect this past August, and they highlight Jackson’s personal interest in shifting the ethics conversation in Louisiana. It’s not hard to see why these topics resonate with him. Over the past five years, Jackson has experienced his fair share of difficulties with the ethics board, racking up an astonishing $10,080 in late fees while trying to navigate the political landscape.

A Personal Struggle

Jackson’s issues with the ethics board date back to his initial campaign for the Caddo Parish Commission in 2015. When it comes to filing campaign finance and personal disclosure reports, he has had his fair share of missed deadlines and improperly submitted documents – totaling twelve violations! These lapses have attracted penalties that he has openly criticized as excessive. In his passionate communications with the ethics staff, he has referred to them as a “debt collection agency” that bullies elected officials.

“You all are nothing more than a debt collection agency that harasses and bullies elected officials who don’t have the means to defend themselves,” he once wrote during his tenure as a commissioner. Those words reflect his level of frustration, which seems to be echoed in countless emails he has exchanged with both the ethics board and the attorney general’s office.

Jackson’s Advocacy for Change

Despite his rocky history with the ethics board, Jackson has now turned his experiences into action. Along with proposing new laws, he successfully gathered support from fellow lawmakers for a study focused on the state’s ethics and campaign finance laws. This study will culminate in a comprehensive report planned for next April.

His concerns aren’t just abstract issues; they represent a significant struggle that many officials face when trying to comply with the standards set forth. In one instance, during a devastating winter storm in February 2021, Jackson wrote about the impossibility of meeting the board’s deadlines while dealing with severe weather challenges. “We are in a state of emergency without power and without water,” he emphasized, pleading for the ethics board’s understanding.

Fines and Their Consequences

While Jackson has expressed his grievances about how the ethics board operates, the reality is that his late filings have led to some pretty serious consequences. In a notable turn of events, the ethics board even attempted to block him from qualifying for his subsequent election due to overdue fines back in 2019. After some hasty payments and discussions, things smoothed out for that election cycle, but the relationship has remained tense.

The Future of Ethics Legislation

As Jackson continues his tenure in the legislature, he’s opted to focus on reforming how fines are levied – especially toward lobbyists. Previously, a lobbyist faced automatic fines of $50 per day for late filings of up to $1,500. Thanks to Jackson’s new law, the daily fine is now capped at $500, which undoubtedly provides some relief to those navigating their compliance obligations.

It seems Jackson’s fresh start is all about reshaping how Louisiana handles ethics oversight. By taking actions grounded in both his personal experiences and a genuine desire to help fellow elected officials, he hopes to create a more friendly and understanding environment for political actors across the state.

Looking Ahead

As the pressure to comply with state ethics regulations continues, it’s certain that the discussions initiated by Jackson and his efforts will have lasting impacts. Whether it’s reforming existing laws or creating new pathways for understanding and compliance, one thing’s for sure: changes to Louisiana’s ethics laws may just be getting started!