Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 16-1267
 
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RE:
Request to waive the $50 late fee assessed against Michael Paternostro for the late filing of the July 2016 Lobbying Expenditure Report.
Facts:
Mr. Paternostro is responding to a fine from the ethics board regarding the month of August, which is when the flood occurred. He states that he is a Firefighter for the Baton Rouge Fire Department and was deployed during the rescue operations, as well as displaced during this time. He also states that during this time, AT&T was completely shut down, as well as Verizon being spotty at best for connections. He states that he caught a connection and saw the billing by luck and filed during a break, which did not last long. Mr. Paternostro states that he feels that it is unfair to say the least and would appreciate the benefit of the doubt during your consideration for waiving this fine.

Comments:
REPORT: July 2016 Lobbying Expenditure Report

REPORT DUE: August 25, 2016

REPORT FILED: August 26, 2016

DAYS LATE: 1 DAY

FEE ASSESSED: $50

ACTIVITY REPORTED: $0.00

OTHER LATE FILINGS: Feb 2016 - $50 - PAID

REGISTERED BRANCH: Legislative

Law:
La R.S. 24:55 provides that registered lobbyist shall file a monthly expenditure report by the 25th day of the subsequent month.

Rule 1205B(3) provides that the late fee shall be rescinded if the following occurred on the due date or during the 14 days prior to the date the report was due: a natural disaster, an act of God, force majeure, a catastrophe, or such other similar occurrence.

Recommendations:
Rescind the late fee based on Rule 1205B(3).
Assigned Attorney: Kathleen Allen
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2016-1267 Waiver Request