Louisiana Gov. Landry Fined $900 for Undisclosed $13.5K Donor-Funded Travel

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has agreed to pay a $900 fine and publicly admit to failing to disclose 19 instances of free travel valued at over $13,500, which he accepted during his terms as attorney general and governor. The undisclosed travel included flights on private planes and helicopters provided by political donors, notably a 2021 trip to Hawaii on a donor's jet to attend the Attorney General Alliance conference. The Louisiana Board of Ethics dropped formal charges against Landry as part of a settlement, which also clarified future disclosure requirements for complimentary travel and lodging. Landry's attorneys argued the reporting rules were confusing and suggested he should not have to disclose travel since he approves his own trips, but the ethics board disagreed, emphasizing transparency. The case has drawn attention to Landry's influence over the ethics board, which was expanded to give the governor and Republican-led legislature appointment powers. Landry stated he is pleased to resolve the matter and continue saving taxpayer money, while the ethics board clarified that all future travel funded by donors must be reported.