| Request from Lisa Thiel to waive the $1,300 late fee assessed against Francis Heitmeier for filing his 2022 lobbying registration 26 days late. |
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Ms. Thiel states that she was hired on February 1, 2021. The previous assistant, who had worked there 12 years, resigned due to deaths of three immediate family members. The previous assistant made a book on how to run the office, but unfortunately left out the Annual Lobbying registration that needs to be completed every year. Ms. Thiel states she has always submitted the monthly reports the first week of the month. On February 1, 2022, there was no button available to finalize for January 2022. She contacted the lobbying staff and completed the registration. The late fee has been paid, but she is asking for a refund.
Staff Notes: On February 1, 2022, staff received an email from Mr. Heitmeir's email requesting staff to add 2022 to his monthly expenditures. I responded by letting him know that he is not currently registered for the year 2022 and to please be mindful of his first action dates since he was renewing outside of the renewal period. A check for the $1,300 fine was received on February 15, 2022. A waiver request was received on February 18, 2022. Mr. Heitmeir's First Action date for Lobbying was entered as 1/1/22. Because of holidays, payment was due by January 10, 2022 to complete the registration process. His registration payment was made on 2/2/22.
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REPORT: 2022 Lobbying Registration Payment
REPORT DUE: January 10, 2022
REPORT FILED: February 6, 2022
DAYS LATE: 26 DAYS LATE
FEE ASSESSED: $1,300
ACTIVITY REPORTED: $0.00
OTHER LATE FILINGS: June 2020 - $50.00 - Paid
REGISTERED BRANCH: Executive/Legislative
LOBBYING SINCE: 2010
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R.S. 49:74A and 24:53A provide that "[e]ach lobbyist shall register with the ethics board as soon as possible after employment as a lobbyist or after the first action requiring his registration as a lobbyist, whichever occurs first, and in any event not later than five days after employment as a lobbyist or not later than five days after the first action requiring his registration as a lobbyist, whichever occurs first."
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Suspend all but $500 of the $1,300 late fee based on future compliance with the lobbying reporting requirements.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Kathleen Allen |
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