Louisiana HB 420, the Secretary of State’s omnibus election law bill, was amended recently to include a provision that requires all candidates to certify that they have filed all federal and state income taxes that are due. The bill includes candidates for federal office. Therefore, it violates Article One of the U.S. Constitution, which does not permit states to add to the constitutional qualifications to run for Congress.

Randall Hayes, a sharp-eyed Louisianan who follows election law, noticed this amendment. He has communicated with members of the Louisiana House about the problem with the amendment.