HB 17 amends Louisiana's District Attorneys' Retirement System to clarify rules for retirees who return to work. It states that most retired district attorneys who rejoin the workforce will have their retirement benefits paused during employment, must reinstate contributions, and earn supplemental benefits based on their reemployment period. However, if a retiree is paid solely with non-state funds under specific salary limits, their benefits remain intact without requiring new contributions or service credit. The bill directly affects retired district attorneys considering reemployment in their former roles.
This bill establishes a Task Force on Utility Terrain Vehicles to study the feasibility of creating safety regulations for these off-road vehicles. The group will be composed of representatives from law enforcement, the Department of Transportation, and other relevant agencies who will meet starting in August 2026. Their goal is to review current laws and propose new legislation to improve safety, with their final report due to the legislature before the 2027 session begins.
This bill requires that written agreements to buy or sell unclaimed property in Louisiana include specific details about the seller, such as their contact information, former names, and tax identification numbers. When a buyer submits a claim to recover this property, they must also provide the original agreement, proof of the seller's authority to sign, and any documentation regarding name changes or affiliated companies. The law applies only to agreements executed on or after January 1, 2027, and excludes transactions involving bankruptcy proceedings or court orders.
This bill directs Louisiana's legislative auditor to conduct a comprehensive fiscal audit of state and federal funds spent by public universities and colleges on a specific goal of increasing completers from underrepresented minority groups between fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2025-2026. The audit will examine expenditures across multiple institutions, including staff salaries, recruitment programs, scholarships, data systems, and performance-based funding tied to this objective. The auditor must produce a written report detailing how much money was spent and where it was allocated, which will be sent to key legislative committees and leaders before the 2027 legislative session. This measure aims to provide oversight on how public funds are used to meet the executive budget's diversity completion targets.
HB 165 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would require Louisiana voters to approve changing the state constitution to create a new lottery game specifically dedicated to funding benefits for Louisiana resident military veterans and their families. If passed, the amendment would direct annual appropriations from the Lottery Proceeds Fund - using revenue generated exclusively from this new game - to support veterans' programs, while also limiting funds for problem-gambling services to $500,000 annually. The bill does not alter existing lottery proceeds but mandates a new dedicated funding stream for veterans through a separate lottery game. Voters will decide on this amendment in the November 2026 statewide election. This is a procedural constitutional change requiring voter approval, not an immediate policy implementation.
SB 278 requires individuals in Louisiana to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle before their driver's license can be reinstated after a suspension for driving under the influence (DUI). It specifically applies to drivers suspended for DUI with a breathalyzer test result of 0.08% blood alcohol or higher, within ten years of a prior DUI arrest. The bill amends state law to make this device installation mandatory as a condition for regaining driving privileges. This policy change directly affects repeat DUI offenders seeking to return to driving after a suspension.
HB 455 expands Louisiana's definition of "first responder" to include public works employees (e.g., those maintaining roads, utilities, or drainage systems) who perform emergency response duties during disasters. It formally integrates these workers into emergency operations like debris clearance, infrastructure repair, and shelter support under the Governor's Office of Homeland Security. Crucially, the bill explicitly states this designation does not alter retirement benefits, workers' compensation eligibility, or require new pay, and any future compensation changes would need separate legislative approval. The bill focuses on operational coordination during emergencies while preserving existing rights and benefits for affected employees.
HB 603 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Louisiana state funds to be invested in digital assets (like cryptocurrencies) and precious metals (such as gold or silver). This change would directly affect how the state manages its public finances, specifically modifying Article VII, Section 14(B) of the Louisiana Constitution. The bill would require voter approval in the November 2026 election to take effect, as it amends the state constitution rather than creating new legislation. If passed, it would permit the state to allocate a portion of its funds into these asset classes, expanding existing investment options for public money.
HB 896 requires all Louisiana toll facilities to display real-time toll prices based on vehicle type, include clear fee notices on signage, and establish customer service centers within five miles of each location. It creates a formal process for drivers to dispute toll charges by submitting written requests to the toll operator. The bill also limits administrative fees for unpaid tolls to $25 per incident and caps annual fees at $48, while requiring toll operators to publish fee structures on signage. This directly affects drivers using toll roads (especially "toll-by-plate" users) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD), which must implement these changes.
This bill designates Sunday, May 10, 2026, as "Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival Day" to honor the culinary legacy of Eddie Eugene Hughes and his family. The resolution recognizes Hughes as a pioneer in Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp and acknowledges the long-standing contributions of his restaurant, Eddie's Seafood and Soul Food. By officially naming the date, the legislature aims to highlight the cultural significance of the annual festival and the heritage it represents within the Shreveport community. This measure does not alter laws or policies but serves as a formal commemoration of local history and tradition.
This bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes the students and faculty of the Lafayette Parish School System for winning first place in the 31st Annual Elementary State Championship Fitness Meet. It highlights their achievement of securing 2,479 points in seven fitness events, which included activities like the 50-yard dash and pull-ups, to finish ahead of other parishes in the state. The resolution formally congratulates the team members, coaches, and parents on this accomplishment and directs a copy of the document to the Lafayette Parish School Board.
This resolution formally acknowledges and thanks the volunteers and members of the 2026 Concerned Women for America's Encourage-A-Legislator Project. The bill recognizes the group's efforts to pray regularly for state legislators and other elected officials as part of their public policy advocacy. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial commendation from the Louisiana Senate. A copy of the resolution is sent to the organization's Louisiana representative, Laura Huber.
