LAFAYETTE, LA — Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry has unveiled a series of voter protection bills designed to bolster election integrity and secure voter confidence in the upcoming legislative session. The legislative package, which includes several key proposals, seeks to ensure that elections in Louisiana remain fair, transparent, and free from external influence.
“This package of bills will help give voters confidence that when they cast their ballots, their vote will be counted, and the election process will remain safe, secure, and accurate,” Landry stated during her announcement. She emphasized that while Louisiana currently ranks second in the nation for election integrity, she is determined to push the state to the top spot.
The bills introduced by Landry and her colleagues in the state legislature tackle various concerns related to election security and transparency. Among the most notable proposals is a constitutional amendment aimed at banning foreign funding of political candidates or ballot measures. This proposal arises from growing concerns that foreign investors may be attempting to influence U.S. elections by funneling money into political action committees (PACs) and Super PACs through non-profit organizations.
“Foreign investors have started funneling money into 501(c)(3) organizations and using them to channel funds into PACs and Super PACs,” Landry explained. “We believe this is harmful to the integrity of our elections and should be stopped.”
Another significant component of the proposed legislative package is the ban on election betting. Senate Bill 90, introduced by Senator Rick Edmonds, seeks to outlaw wagering on elections, which Landry called “bad public policy.” She emphasized the importance of preventing any form of financial speculation that could undermine public trust in the election process.
The full package includes seven bills, with several focusing on procedural improvements and strengthening accountability in elections. Some of the key bills include:
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SB 109 (Constitutional Amendment): Sponsored by Senator Alan Seabaugh, this bill seeks to ban foreign funding of candidates or ballot measures.
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SB 90: Introduced by Senator Rick Edmonds, this bill aims to prohibit election betting.
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HB 206: Authored by Representative Michael Melerine, this bill requires legislative approval for consent decrees signed by the Secretary of State on specific election matters.
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HB 351: Representative Mike Johnson’s bill seeks to impose court costs and attorney’s fees for those found guilty of submitting false information in a Notice of Candidacy.
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HB 590: Representative Annie Spell’s proposal aims to statutorily enforce a ban on private funding in election administration and foreign funding of candidates.
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HB 223: Sponsored by Representative Jessica Domangue, this bill seeks to increase the pay of election commissioners to ensure fair compensation for their important roles.
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SCR (Senate Concurrent Resolution): Introduced by Senator Rick Edmonds, this resolution calls for a procedural election audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor every four years.
These bills are expected to be debated and considered during the 2025 legislative session, which is set to begin on April 14th.
In addition to the legislative proposals, Landry reminded residents that the deadline to register online to vote in the May 3rd election is Saturday, April 12. The polls will open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
With these proposed measures, Louisiana leaders aim to strengthen voter confidence and ensure that elections remain secure, transparent, and free from outside influence. As the state prepares for the upcoming legislative session, the proposed bills are likely to spark widespread discussion about the future of election integrity in Louisiana.