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Waiver request submitted by Rana Ismail Ottallah, former member of the Commission for the Deaf, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing her 2017 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 148 days late. |
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Background:
Ms. Ottallah was initially assessed a $1500 late fee that the Board suspended all but $650 based on future compliance at its March 2020 meeting. The waiver result letter was received on March 23, 2020 with a COVID designation. The reduced late fee of $650 was not paid within 20 days of receipt of the Waiver Result Letter. As such, the suspended amount was reassessed making the $1500 late fee due and owing. The Reassessment Letter was received on February 9, 2022. Ms. Ottallah requested reconsideration of the reassessment on February 9, 2022.
Information was submitted that Ms. Ottallah had brain surgery on March 17, 2020 and remained in the hospital until March 27, 2020 (she received the Waiver Result Letter on March 23, 2020, which had a COVID designation).
Initial Waiver Request:
Rana Ottallah stated she served on the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf from 2017 until June 2018. She did not submit her 2017 and 2018 until June 2019 when she was made known of her delinquency. Not filing was not done with any ill intent, or to disregard any required documentation necessary for the position she held at the time. Ms. Ottallah stated that it was a simple oversight of being an overworked, single mother of a special needs parent. Ms. Ottallah hopes this oversight of not filing on time and the $1500 fine would be waived, since she has provided all the required disclosures and she no longer serves on the commission. Ms. Ottallah thanks the Ethics Board in advance for their consideration. This is Ms. Ottallah's first delinquency, first late filing, and first late fee.
Reconsideration Request:
Ms. Ottallah states she had brain surgery on March 5, 2019 that required additional surgeries in March 2020. While in recovery following the March 2020 surgery, her brother was living with her and she believe either her brother or son signed for the notices.
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TYPE OF REPORT: 2017 Tier 2.1 Annual Report
ORIGINAL FILING DATE: May 15, 2018
DATE NOD RECEIVED: January 8, 2019 (Rana Halba signed green card)
DATE REPORT FILED: June 14, 2019
DAYS LATE FROM NOD: 148 days
DAYS LATE FROM ORIGINAL DUE DATE: 395 days
ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1500
OUTSTANDING PFD LATE FEES: None
OUTSTANDING CF LATE FEES: None
OUTSTANDING DISCLOSURE REPORTS: None
PRIOR EXPERIENCE: has filed 6 reports or amendments
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La. R.S. 42:1124.2.1
requires financial disclosure for each member and designee of a board or commission which has the authority to expend, disburse or invest $10,000 or more of funds in a fiscal year on or before May 15th of each year during which the person holds office and the year following termination of the holding of such office.
La. R.S. 42:1124.4 of the Code provides that upon discovery of the failure to file, failure to timely file, omission of information or inaccurate information, the Board shall notify the filer by sending him a notice of delinquency by certified mail. The notice of delinquency shall inform the person that the financial statement must be filed, or that the information must be disclosed or accurately disclosed, or that a written answer contesting the allegation of such failure, omission, or inaccuracy must be filed no later than seven (7) business days after receipt of the notice of delinquency.
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Consider the untimely waiver reconsideration request.
Suspend all based on future compliance with the reporting requirements under the Code of Ethics.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Tracy Barker |
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