HB 617 requires businesses to clearly display the total price - including all mandatory fees or surcharges - before a consumer makes a purchase or booking. It directly affects all businesses selling goods or services to consumers, including restaurants, ride-share apps, and online platforms. Key provisions mandate that businesses disclose factors determining final prices (like distance or time), mandatory fees, and that costs may vary, all in clear, conspicuous language at the point of sale or advertising. Exemptions include businesses already complying with federal rules for broadband, cable, satellite, and live-event ticket pricing. The bill does not ban fees but ensures consumers see the full cost upfront, avoiding hidden charges.
HB 891 creates three new special license plates in Louisiana: "Louisiana Quail Forever," "Ducks Unlimited," and "Conserve Louisiana." Vehicle owners who purchase these plates pay additional fees ($26 for Quail, $50 for Ducks, $50 for Conserve Louisiana) beyond standard registration costs. The base fees fund the state's Conservation Fund for specific wildlife habitats (quail or waterfowl), while annual royalty fees ($50 each) go directly to the respective conservation organizations (Quail Forever or Ducks Unlimited) to support their habitat work. The "Conserve Louisiana" plate requires 1,000 applicants before issuance and directs all fees to the Conservation Fund for general wildlife conservation efforts.
HB 44 expands the authority of justice of the peace courts in St. Bernard Parish to handle property standards and nuisance violations across the entire parish, not just specific areas. It grants these courts concurrent jurisdiction (meaning they can handle these cases alongside other courts) for violations covered by local ordinances. The bill also allows constables serving these courts to issue summonses and serve subpoenas for such violations anywhere within the parish's territorial boundaries. This change directly affects local courts, constables, and residents facing property or nuisance enforcement actions in St. Bernard Parish.
HB 16 extends the geographic jurisdiction of the City Court of Franklin to include specific areas in Ward Four of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. It directly affects residents in portions of Ward Four north of Highway 182 and south of Bayou Teche, extending to the Centerville Bridge Approach Road - areas previously outside Franklin's city limits. The bill adds these zones to the court's jurisdiction, while establishing that the City Court shares concurrent authority with local justices of the peace for cases in those outer areas. This change clarifies where certain local cases will be handled without altering existing court structures or creating new legal requirements.
HB 35 amends Louisiana law to adjust employer contributions to the Sheriffs' Pension and Relief Fund. It allows the fund's board to require local governments (sheriffs' employers) to pay up to 3% more than the standard contribution rate. Any surplus funds collected from these higher contributions after 2008 must be credited back to the pension fund account. This directly affects sheriffs' pension funding and local government budgeting for employee retirement costs.
HB 48 amends Louisiana law to clarify membership requirements and contribution rules for the Sheriffs' Pension and Relief Fund. It requires all deputies (including those in Orleans Parish), criminal/civil deputies, and specific court criers (Orleans Civil District Court and Louisiana Supreme Court) aged 18+ with minimum salaries to automatically join the fund. The bill mandates monthly deductions from members' salaries and employer payments covering both employee and employer shares, to be remitted to the fund's treasurer. If employers fail to pay, the fund's treasurer notifies the legislative auditor, who can withhold the employer's funds until payments are made. This bill directly affects Louisiana sheriffs' deputies and court officers in designated roles.
This bill designates the Friday of the International Rice Festival as a legal holiday in Acadia Parish, allowing the clerk of court to close the parish courthouse that day. It specifically applies to Acadia Parish offices and requires the courthouse to remain open only if election-related duties require it. The bill creates a recurring annual closure for this local festival without changing broader state holiday rules.
HB 34 modifies retirement eligibility for sheriffs in Louisiana's Sheriffs' Pension and Relief Fund. It allows sheriffs who began employment on or after January 1, 2012, to receive an actuarial equivalent of their retirement benefit at age 50 (instead of age 55) if they have at least 30 years of service and are over 50. The provision requires a written application to the board of trustees and creates an option for earlier retirement without changing the benefit amount calculation. This directly affects eligible sheriffs meeting the service and age criteria under the fund.
HB 46 modifies health insurance premium coverage for retired DeSoto Parish sheriffs and deputies. It requires the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office to pay specific percentages of group health insurance premiums based on years of service: 100% for 30+ years, 75% for 25+ years, and 50% for 20+ years (for those hired after January 1, 2009). Retirees hired before 2009 are covered under separate existing rules. The bill applies to those retiring before January 1, 2026, and covers hospital, surgical, medical, dental, and limited life insurance premiums.
HB 50 temporarily re-creates Louisiana's Department of Education (DOE) effective June 30, 2026, for a fixed period ending July 1, 2031. It specifically revives the DOE and all agencies previously part of it, requiring them to begin phasing out operations starting July 1, 2030, with full termination on July 1, 2031. This bill directly affects the DOE and its statutory entities by establishing a defined timeline for their temporary revival and eventual termination.
HB 53 adds seven specific gambling-related crimes to Louisiana’s list of offenses that can serve as the basis for racketeering charges. It includes violations like operating illegal gambling games (R.S. 14:90), gambling in public (R.S. 14:90.2), computer gambling (R.S. 14:90.3), and bribery of sports participants (R.S. 14:118.1). Prosecutors can now use these gambling crimes as "predicate offenses" to build racketeering cases under Louisiana’s racketeering statute. The bill does not change the gambling laws themselves but expands how gambling violations can be prosecuted under broader organized crime statutes.
This resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Education to study whether adding recess to the school day is feasible for kindergarten through third-grade students. The bill cites research showing that breaks can improve academic performance and social well-being, noting that current state law does not require daily recess. While the study will explore this option, it must ensure that educational time is not reduced to accommodate it. The department is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the House Committee on Education by March 12, 2027.
