§1482. Statement of purpose
A. The legislature recognizes that the Constitution of the United States and the
Constitution of Louisiana protect political speech, especially speech related to elections; that
the financing of campaigns facilitates constitutionally protected political speech; that the
legislature may regulate the financing of campaigns to prevent the occurrence and appearance
of political corruption and to promote transparency; and that the effectiveness of
representative government is dependent upon a knowledgeable electorate and the confidence
of the electorate in their elected public officials. The legislature, therefore, enacts this
Chapter to provide public disclosure of the financing of election campaigns and to regulate
certain campaign practices.
B. The legislature further recognizes that the provisions of this Chapter are penal in
nature, and that, in the interest of respecting the constitutional rights of free speech and due
process, the regulation of campaign finance established in this Chapter shall be interpreted
narrowly and strictly and that any ambiguity be interpreted in favor of a person accused of
violating any provision of this Chapter, and that no deference shall be afforded in
interpretation of this Chapter to any agency enforcing this Chapter, including the supervisory
committee.
Acts 1980, No. 786, §1; Acts 2025, No. 398, §1, eff. June 20, 2025.