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Bill

HB 351

ELECTIONS/CANDIDATES: Provides for penalties for attesting to false information in a notice of candidacy (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Johnson

Louisiana law now penalizes candidates who knowingly submit false information on candidacy notices to strengthen election integrity and candidate qualification standards.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 80.
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Bill Summary · HB 351

Legislative bill overview

HB 351 establishes criminal penalties for candidates who knowingly attest to false information when filing their notice of candidacy with election officials. The bill creates a mechanism to hold candidates accountable for misrepresenting qualifications, residency, or other required candidacy information on official election documents.

Why is this important

Election integrity depends on accurate candidate information being filed with authorities. False statements about qualifications could allow ineligible candidates to appear on ballots, potentially confusing voters or resulting in elected officials who don't meet constitutional or statutory requirements. This bill adds legal consequences to deter such conduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The bill may need clarification on what constitutes "false information" versus inadvertent errors or good-faith disputes about eligibility requirements
  • Enforcement discretion: Prosecutors may have significant discretion in deciding whether to charge violations, potentially creating inconsistent application across parishes
  • Burden of proof: Questions about whether candidates must prove information was knowingly false (difficult standard) versus merely negligently false (easier to establish)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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