Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ngo Transparency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves database to centralize public reporting of state investments in NGOs
Summary
Senate Bill 245, revised to add categorical search functions and rulemaking flexibility, was reported favorable as amended. The bill would require agencies and the Treasury to provide NGO contract and performance data in a centralized, searchable Louisiana Checkbook portal.
The House Appropriations Committee reported Senate Bill 245 favorable as amended after the sponsor said the bill would make nongovernmental entity spending more transparent on the Louisiana Checkbook website.
Senator Cloud, the bill sponsor, said the measure (styled the TRUST Act in testimony) would integrate agency and treasury reporting on grants, contracts and appropriations to NGOs into a single searchable database, including searchable service categories such as reentry, workforce development and human trafficking services. “The public has been hindered because they are not able to access reports and data regarding these investments made with their tax dollars and on their behalf,” Cloud said.
Committee staff and division representatives explained adopted amendments to add categorical service searches and to clarify rulemaking authority for the Division of Administration. Deputy Commissioner Patrick Goldsmith (Division of Administration) and representatives from the treasurer’s office said they have begun interagency discussions and that rulemaking and technical integration work is underway. The treasurer’s office and Division of Administration indicated they will coordinate to minimize duplicate reporting by allowing agencies and the treasurer to supply already-submitted data rather than forcing NGOs to upload the same documents twice.
The bill does not create prohibitions on grants or contract awards; instead, it requires centralized reporting of public investments in NGOs and key performance metrics, contract dates and expenditure-level detail. Supporters argued the measure improves stewardship and reduces duplicated services; some witnesses urged care to avoid exposing personally identifiable information or running afoul of federal subrecipient rules.
Representative Owens moved the bill favorably as amended; the committee reported Senate Bill 245 favorable as amended.
