Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 26-150
 
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RE:
Waiver request submitted by Donnell "Donnie" Grace, Jr., candidate for Constable / Justice of the Peace Ward 4 / Tangipahoa Parish in the October 1, 2025 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his 2024 Tier 2 candidate pfd 16 days late.
Facts:
Donnell Grace, Jr takes full accountability for filing the disclosure untimely. It was an error in his attention and follow-through, not a result of disregard or indifference toward the Board's procedures. He has taken steps to ensure this will not happen again, including implementing better personal organization practices and setting internal deadlines to prevent any future oversights. He has submitted all his disclosures. Mr. Grace mentions that this time of year is financially difficult for him. He is hopeful that his transparency, accountability, and sincere apology will demonstrate his respect for the Board.
Comments:
TYPE OF REPORT: 2024 Tier 2 Candidate Report
ORIGINAL FILING DATE: 7/16/2025
DATE NOD RECEIVED: 10/2/2025 (signature not legible)
DATE REPORT FILED: 10/31/2025
DAYS LATE FROM NOD: 16 days
DAYS LATE FROM ORIGINAL DUE DATE: 107 days
ASSESSED LATE FEE: $2500
PRIOR/OUTSTANDING PFD LATE FEES: None
PRIOR/OUTSTANDING CF LATE FEES: None
OUTSTANDING DISCLOSURE REPORTS: None
PRIOR EXPERIENCE: Been filing since 2025


Law:
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 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.

Recommendations:
Suspend all but $250 based on future compliance with the Code of Ethics. The $250 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
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2026-150 - PFD Waiver - Donnell Grace, Jr.- 24 Tier 2 Candidate