Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 22-535
 
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RE:
Request to waive the $900, $1,350 and $200 late fees assessed against J. Chandler Loupe for the late filing of the February, April and June 2022 Lobbying Expenditure Reports.
Facts:
Mr. Loupe states that on February 1, 2022, his youngest son was placed on a ventilator and air lifted to Ochsner Neuro ICU where he remained for two weeks. His son survived, but suffered a hypoxic brain injury. Mr. Loupe states that his son remained hospitalized for an additional ten days, and is now residing at his primary residence. Mr. Loupe states that as of a result of the emergency, he was unable to complete his ethics reporting as required and is requesting a forbearance on any fines and other penalties. Mr. Loupe first registered as a lobbyist on February 8, 2022. On June 21, 2022, he terminated his registration as a lobbyist. He is up to date on all other reporting requirements. Mr. Loupe provided documentation for services related to his son's illness through May 9, 2022.
Comments:
REPORT: February, April and June Lobbying Expenditure Reports

REPORT DUE: March 25, 2022, May 25, 2022, July 25, 2022

REPORT FILED: April 12, 2022, June 21, 2022, July 29, 2022

DAYS LATE: 18, 27, 4

FEE ASSESSED: $900, $1350, $200

ACTIVITY REPORTED: $0.00

OTHER LATE FILINGS: None

REGISTERED BRANCH: Legislative/Executive

LOBBYING SINCE: 2022 - Terminated on June 21, 2022

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 of the Rules of the Louisiana Board of Ethics provides that an automatic late fee shall not be assessed, or if assessed shall be rescinded by the staff, if the person required to file the report did not file the report for any of the following reasons which occurred on the due date or during the fourteen days prior to the 14 days prior to the date the report was due. 1/ Death of a person required to file or the person regularly responsible, or a death in their immediate family, as defined by R. S. 42:1102 2/ Serious medical condition, in the considered judgment of the staff, which prevented the person required to file or the person regularly responsible from filing the report timely; or

3/ A natural disaster, an act of God, force majeure, a catastrophe, or such other similar occurrence.

Recommendations:
Rescind the $900 late fee for the February 2022 expenditures report pursuant to Rule 1205B. Waive the $1,350 and $200 late fees for the May and June expenditure reports, respectively.
Assigned Attorney: Kathleen Allen
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2022-535 - Lobbying waiver