HB 689 requires Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to report within 72 hours when a child enters or leaves foster care custody to the Louisiana Department of Health. This ensures the health department can immediately adjust public assistance benefits for parents if a child is no longer living in their household - such as SNAP (food stamps), WIC, or FITAP benefits - and update Medicaid coverage for the child. The bill directly affects parents receiving benefits and children in foster care by streamlining benefit adjustments based on custody changes. It also mandates fraud investigations if individuals fail to report such changes, ensuring benefits align with current household circumstances.
HB 911 merges Orleans Parish's civil, criminal, and juvenile courts into a single "Forty-First Judicial District," directly affecting New Orleans residents, judges, clerks, and court staff. It abolishes 10 specific court divisions (including juvenile and civil/criminal divisions) and reduces judgeships from 31 to 22, while creating a unified clerk of court position and consolidating judicial offices. Key provisions include transferring juvenile court jurisdiction to the new district, eliminating duplicate court clerks, and extending current juvenile court judges' terms until 2027. The bill aims to streamline operations, reduce costs through economies of scale, and modernize a system described as "fragmented and inefficient" following Hurricane Katrina and financial challenges.
HB 767 would create a lottery system for Louisiana residents seeking recreational alligator hunting permits. It requires a $50 nonrefundable entry fee for the lottery, with successful applicants receiving harvest tags at no additional cost (the fee may apply toward a $25 annual resident license). All revenue from lottery fees and auctions would be directed to the state Conservation Fund. This bill specifically affects Louisiana residents who wish to hunt alligators recreationally under a new permit system, pending legislative approval.
SB 363 requires health insurance companies in Louisiana to provide medically necessary treatments as determined by a patient's treating provider, prohibiting substitutions with less intensive care solely based on cost-saving measures. It directly affects health insurance issuers and patients who might face denied or downgraded care. The bill defines "lower level of care" as less intensive treatment than recommended by the provider and specifies that substitutions are only allowed if consistent with standard medical practice and clinically appropriate. This policy change aims to prevent insurers from overriding provider recommendations for financial reasons. The bill is currently pending referral to the Insurance Committee after being prefaced in February 2026.
HB 541 creates two new permit categories for small-scale distillers in Louisiana under existing Class A retail liquor permits. It authorizes microdistillers to produce up to 12,000 gallons annually for $1,000 or up to 1,000 gallons annually for $100, both allowing direct retail sales at their single location. The bill directly affects small distillers by providing tiered production limits and lower-cost licensing options compared to standard permits. These changes modify existing permit fee structures without altering broader alcohol regulations.
HB 472 authorizes Louisiana municipalities and parishes to adopt rent stabilization ordinances through a majority vote of their governing authority. The bill creates a new legal framework (R.S. 33:9731) allowing local governments to implement rent stabilization measures, directly affecting landlords and tenants in communities that choose to adopt such rules. Key provisions require local elected officials to vote on implementing these measures, without mandating any specific rent limits or timelines. This is a procedural authorization bill that provides municipalities with the option to address housing affordability through local policy, pending future action by individual cities or parishes. The bill remains in early legislative stages with no current implementation.
HB 897 protects patient healthcare data for participants in Louisiana's Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative. It requires healthcare providers (general contractors and subcontractors) to obtain written consent before sharing any identifiable health information, provide clear privacy notices explaining what data will be shared and with whom, and offer an easy way for patients to revoke consent. Providers must also give patients free access to their records within 10 business days. Violations could lead to contract termination by the Department of Children and Family Services, following standard state procedures.
Senate Resolution 90 is a formal commendation honoring Gerald 'Jerry' Badgley for his retirement as the principal of C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. The resolution recognizes his twenty-plus years of service, highlighting his leadership in improving school facilities and curriculum, as well as his role in producing numerous distinguished alumni. This legislative action serves to publicly acknowledge his contributions to the school and the broader community, with no changes to laws or policies.
This bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates the Progressive Baptist Church in Lafayette, Louisiana, on its 100th anniversary. It recognizes the church's century of faith and community service, highlighting its history from founding in 1925 to recent expansions like the educational building and outreach center. The resolution also acknowledges the leadership of current Pastor Dr. Chad E. Nora and the church's ongoing contributions to the community. No new laws or policies are created; the measure serves solely as an official commendation from the state legislature.
This bill is a formal resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Coach Pat Collins, who passed away in February 2026. The document honors his life by briefly outlining his extensive coaching career, which included leading teams to a national championship and serving in various educational and administrative roles. It also acknowledges his personal legacy as a devoted family man and mentor before officially transmitting a copy of the resolution to his family.
This bill is a formal commendation from the Louisiana Legislature to Cheniere Energy, recognizing the company's twenty years of investment and ten years of liquefied natural gas export operations within the state. The resolution highlights the company's contributions to job creation, economic growth, and community partnerships in southwest Louisiana, particularly through its operations in Cameron Parish. It does not create new laws or regulations but serves as an official expression of gratitude and appreciation for the company's role in strengthening the state's energy sector and global economic standing.
This concurrent resolution formally commends Dr. Paul Dean Coreil on his retirement as Chancellor of Louisiana State University of Alexandria. The bill recognizes his decades of service in higher education, public service, and youth development, specifically highlighting his leadership in increasing university enrollment and expanding academic programs. Upon passage, the Legislature expresses its appreciation and transmits a copy of the resolution to Dr. Coreil.
