LA HB397

Expands "reasonable transportation" for legislators making public speeches to include travel to any U.S. state, North American country, or Caribbean destination, and allows acceptance of food, lodging, and transportation for such speeches with disclosure requirements for out-of-state travel

Increases gift limits for public servants to $100 per event with a $200 annual cap, allows acceptance of $200 in sympathy flowers/charitable donations, and permits $200 in seasonal/holiday foods and non-alcoholic beverages

Raises financial disclosure thresholds, including increasing Tier 2 reporting categories (Category I from $5,000 to $10,000, Category II from $5,000-$24,999 to $10,000-$50,000) and minimum reportable income for Tier 3 officials from $250 to $500

Requires Board of Ethics to obtain two-thirds majority vote to open investigations, issue subpoenas, or proceed to public hearings, and mandates respondents receive notice of constitutional rights to counsel and against self-incrimination

Creates new exceptions allowing Louisiana Racing Commission members to own racehorses, airport authority board members to enter contracts with their authorities, and public school employees to receive compensation from other agencies in state retirement systems