VOTERS/VOTING: Provides for the voter protection act. (8/1/26) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

SB 342, the Voter Protection Act, creates new Louisiana law to protect voters from intimidation, misinformation, and barriers to registration and voting. It prohibits threatening language, false information about voting requirements, or interference near polling places (within 600 feet), with fines up to $5,000 or jail time for violations. The bill also extends voter registration deadlines by seven days, requires multilingual registration materials, mandates clear notifications for inactive voter registrations, and protects nonpartisan voter assistance providers. These changes directly affect all Louisiana voters, election officials, and organizations helping voters register or cast ballots, effective August 1, 2026.