|
Request to reconsider the Board's decision to suspend all but $1,000 of the $2,500 late fee assessed against Steven Jackson, State Representative / 2nd Representative District, for filing his 2022 Tier 2 candidate pfd 855 days late; and, the Board's decision to suspend all but $1,000 of a $2,500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 183 days late. |
|
Reconsideration:
no new information submitted
Original Request:
Mr. Jackson requests a waiver of the late fees assessed against him for failing to amend his 2022 Annual PFD timely and for failing to file his 2022 Candidate PFD. Mr. Jackson stated that in most instances, the reports were submitted, though some contained errors. In the limited cases where a report was not filed, it was due to duplication of information rather than any intent to violate the law. Since then, he has hired (contracted) an accountant to file his reports accurately and timely. He stated the Legislature has removed duplicative reporting requirements, recognizing the burden it placed on filers. He further states that the LA Supreme Court has stated, "the law favors candidacy and any doubt as to the qualifications of a candidate should be resolved in favor of permitting the candidate to run." That principle reflects a broader commitment to simplify the process to encourage civic participation, not discourage it, including our ethics laws. He asks the Ethics Board to consider waiving, reducing, or suspending the fines. He remains committed to timely and accurately filing reports in the future, while supporting efforts to simplify the process for all filers. He thanks the BOE for working with him to resolve these matters and for their consideration.
|
|
TYPE OF REPORT: 2022 Tier 2 Candidate Report
ORIGINAL DUE DATE: 8/15/2023
DATE NOD RECEIVED: 8/28/2023 (Calvin Lester)
DATE REPORT FILED: 1/9/2026
DAYS LATE FROM NOD: 855 days
DAYS LATE FROM ORIGINAL DUE DATE: 878 days
ASSESSED LATE FEE: $2500
TYPE OF REPORT: 2022 Tier 2 Annual Report-Amendment
ORIGINAL FILING DATE: 5/15/2023
DATE NOD RECEIVED: 2/8/2024 (Calvin Lester)
DATE REPORT FILED: 8/21/2024
DAYS LATE FROM NOD: 183 days
ASSESSED LATE FEE: $2500
PRIOR/OUTSTANDING PFD LATE FEES: None
PRIOR/OUTSTANDING CF LATE FEES: 5 Pending Waivers. 15 Paid, Rescinded, or Suspended
OUTSTANDING DISCLOSURE REPORTS: None
PRIOR EXPERIENCE: Been filing since 2015
|
|
La. R.S. 18:1495.7A
requires any person who becomes a candidate for an office for which the holder of the office is required to file financial disclosure statements pursuant to R.S. 42:1124, 1124.2, or 1124.3 shall file a financial disclosure statement as required by R.S. 42:1124, 1124.2, or 1124.3 for the office for which he is a candidate. The statement required by this Section shall be filed within three (3) business days after the close of the qualifying period during which the candidate files his notice of candidacy for the office.
La. R.S. 42:1124.2 requires each person holding a public office who represents a voting district having a population of 5,000 or more persons to file an annual personal financial disclosure statement 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.
|
|
|
Affirm Board's prior decision to suspend all but $1,000 for each $2,500 late fee for a total of $2,000 due and owing, based on future compliance. The $2,000 is payable within 20 days and if payment is not received within 20 days, the full amount of the late fee becomes due and owing.
|
|
| Assigned Attorney: |
Tracy Barker |
|
|