This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for a formal study requested by Senator John N. Kennedy. The study is directed at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate how land use changes and habitat loss impact migratory waterfowl behavior and populations within the Mississippi Flyway. Specifically, the resolution asks the federal agency to examine variables affecting waterfowl winter distributions, breeding patterns, and related economic outcomes in response to observed population declines in Louisiana. The primary effect of the bill is to formally endorse the request for this research rather than to enact new laws or regulations.
This bill amends existing rules regarding criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and nonlicensed individuals working in emergency medical services. It modifies the current requirement to suspend the implementation of specific background check regulations until October 1, 2026, giving agencies additional time to adjust their procedures. The legislation directly affects ambulance companies, medical licensing boards, and individuals seeking or holding positions in emergency medical transport. By delaying the enforcement of these background check provisions, the bill temporarily alters how eligibility for ambulance-related roles is evaluated.
This bill requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Department of Education to create a comprehensive report on the current state of autism support services in Louisiana. The report will examine diagnostic practices, service availability, and access barriers across healthcare and education sectors, involving collaboration with the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It will assess diagnostic tools, provider training, wait times, and compare Louisiana's services to other states to identify gaps and areas for improvement. The final report must be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027, to inform future policy decisions regarding autism support.
This bill establishes a Task Force on School Nurse Orientation in Louisiana to create a training program for new registered nurses entering public schools. The task force will review existing orientation programs, identify essential skills for school nurses, and develop recommendations for standardized training and mentorship opportunities. It will consist of nine representatives from various organizations including nursing associations, education agencies, and health departments, and must begin its work by August 1, 2026. The group will submit its recommendations to the legislature and will dissolve once its work is complete or by February 12, 2027.
This bill requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study how the term "foreign" is used in state laws to describe businesses and organizations from outside Louisiana. The study will examine how this term applies to banking, pipeline operations, and other critical infrastructure, looking at potential inconsistencies in its meaning across different legal areas. The institute will investigate whether the definition needs clarification or modernization and will submit recommendations to the legislature before the 2027 session. This research aims to help lawmakers better understand the legal and economic impacts of current terminology on businesses operating in the state.
This bill directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to study whether protective orders should be automatically issued when someone is arrested for domestic abuse. The study will examine current procedures and compare them with Colorado's mandatory order system, with findings due by January 4, 2027. It does not change existing laws but instead asks state legal experts to research how mandatory orders might work in Louisiana. The results will go to the House of Representatives to help inform future decisions about domestic violence protections.
HB 244 proposes a constitutional amendment to change Louisiana's process for revising its constitution. It would require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to call a constitutional convention, with delegates elected from each legislative district. The convention would need a two-thirds vote to propose changes, and any new constitution would require a majority vote statewide plus approval in at least 75% of parishes (counties) to be ratified. This amendment will be voted on by Louisiana voters in the November 2026 election.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Louisiana that would allow the governor to recommend suspending or removing district attorneys and certain judges (district, juvenile, family, or municipal courts) for malfeasance, gross misconduct, or incompetence. If the governor recommends suspension, the Senate must approve it with a two-thirds vote; for removal, the Senate would hold a trial and require a two-thirds vote to remove the official. Removed officials would be permanently barred from holding any judicial office in Louisiana. The amendment requires voter approval in the April 2027 election and is currently pending committee review.
This bill directs the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism to transfer specific historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks if they were removed from public display after August 1, 2006. It requires local governments to coordinate with state parks for the physical delivery of these items and mandates that the state office cannot place the statues back in the same parish where they were originally taken down. The legislation also clarifies that these new rules do not override existing state laws regarding the preservation of historical sites.
This bill increases penalties for committing arson against religious buildings in Louisiana. It directly affects individuals charged with setting fire to places of worship and law enforcement officials who prosecute such cases. The law establishes minimum prison sentences of two years without parole for simple arson, with a maximum of 30 years, and sets higher penalties of 12 to 30 years without parole if the fire causes injury or death. These provisions apply to anyone convicted of the crime under the amended state statutes.
HB 509 requires a public hearing in every Louisiana parish where a permit for a Class V or VI injection well (used for geologic sequestration projects) is proposed. The hearing must occur within the first 15 days of the public comment period and cannot be held between December 20 and January 1. This bill directly affects local communities in parishes where such well permits are filed, ensuring residents have a formal opportunity to comment before permits are issued. The key provision mandates these hearings as a standard step in the permitting process, adding a required public engagement phase for these specific well types.
HB 378 makes it a crime to intentionally block first responders or law enforcement officers using a motor vehicle during their duties. Drivers who hinder first responders (e.g., during emergencies) face fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, while those obstructing officers during pursuits or arrests risk fines up to $1,000 or up to two years in jail. The law explicitly excludes legitimate safety barricades used in construction, maintenance, or by government authorities performing official duties. It directly affects drivers who use vehicles to block emergency or police operations, with penalties varying based on the officer's role and circumstances.
