LouisianaCampaign finance law uses a yearly spending test for groups
Under Louisiana’s campaign finance law, political contributions or expenditures count as a group’s main purpose when they exceed half its spending during a calendar year.
What it does
Political contributions or expenditures count as an entity’s or group’s “primary purpose” when they make up more than half its total spending during a calendar year.
Argument forA clear numerical test could help groups determine whether their political spending counts as their main purpose under campaign finance law.
Argument againstGroups with similar political spending could fall on different sides of the cutoff because one spends more on other activities.
More detail
The law defines “primary purpose,” or main purpose, through the share of spending devoted to political contributions or expenditures. The definition applies to entities and groups under Louisiana’s campaign finance law. The political contributions or expenditures must make up more than 50 percent of total spending. Exactly 50 percent does not meet the test. The test measures spending during a calendar year. The law took effect August 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 8Signed by the Governor Jeff Landry. Becomes Act No. 865.Became Law
- Jun 8Effective date: 08/01/2026.
- Jun 1Sent to the Governor for executive approval.To Governor
- May 31Signed by the President of the Senate.
- May 29Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.Minor
- May 28Called from the Calendar.
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE (#1507). Result: pass.Upper
- May 28Read by title, passed by a vote of 34 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.Passed Senate
- May 28Received from the Senate without amendments.Minor
- May 11Read by title and returned to the Calendar, subject to call.
- Apr 28Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.Minor
- Apr 27Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
- Apr 22Reported favorably.Minor
- Apr 15Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs.Minor
- Apr 14Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 98, nays 0. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.Passed House
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE (#502). Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 14Received in the Senate. Rules suspended. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.Minor
- Apr 13Scheduled for floor debate on 04/14/2026.
- Apr 9Read by title, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.Minor
- Apr 8Reported favorably (14-0).Minor
- Mar 31Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs.Minor
- Mar 30Read by title. Lies over under the rules.Introduced
Government & Ethics