SB 217 increases the number of judges in Orleans Parish's civil district court from 12 to 14, effective January 1, 2027. It reorganizes court divisions by creating four new divisions (K, L, M, N) for the additional judges and abolishing two existing divisions (C and L) by December 31, 2026. The bill also specifies that court expenses, including judge compensation and staff salaries, will be paid from the Consolidated Judicial Expense Fund. This change directly affects the court system in New Orleans, including judges, court staff, and individuals using the court for legal matters.
SB 388 prohibits Louisiana state agencies from entering contracts with foreign entities designated as adversaries or terrorist organizations by the U.S. government (e.g., under federal designations like 15 C.F.R. 791.4 or 8 U.S.C. 1189). It grants the governor emergency authority to immediately cancel or suspend such contracts if they pose security risks to Louisiana, requiring consultation with homeland security and legal officials before action. The bill defines key terms like "foreign adversary" and "state contract" (covering goods, services, or technology) and allows affected parties to seek court review if they dispute cancellation decisions. This directly affects state agencies entering contracts and foreign entities linked to U.S.-designated threats.
HB 492 creates the Governor's Task Force on Impaired Driving to coordinate state efforts against drunk and drugged driving. The task force, operating within the governor's office, will include 21 members from state agencies (like law enforcement and health departments), community organizations (such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and at least one victim or family member of an impaired driving incident. Its key duties include analyzing data on impaired driving arrests and crashes, identifying evidence-based solutions like ignition interlock devices, and coordinating strategies across state and local agencies. The task force must meet at least four times yearly, with decisions requiring majority approval, and will be chaired by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission director.
This bill modifies Louisiana election rules for non-major-party primary candidates. If such a candidate dies after the qualifying period ends but before election day, their name must be removed from the ballot, and any votes cast for them become void and are not counted. It directly affects candidates running for party primary offices who are not affiliated with major political parties. The law ensures ballots reflect only living candidates and prevents invalid votes from being tallied.
HB 740 creates an independent review process for Medicaid claims related to the Coordinated System of Care (CSoC) program in Louisiana. It directly affects behavioral health providers and families enrolled in CSoC, which serves youth with significant behavioral health challenges who are in or at risk of out-of-home placement. The bill establishes that claims denials for CSoC services must undergo review by an independent third party, rather than being handled under the standard Medicaid managed care process. This change ensures CSoC-specific claims get specialized review, addressing gaps in the current system for this vulnerable population.
This resolution commends Loretta Wiley, a resident of Bossier Parish, Louisiana, for earning a master's degree in human services at the age of seventy-five. The document highlights her educational journey, which includes attending Southern University at Shreveport and Louisiana Tech University, as well as her continued work as a substitute teacher and community volunteer. It serves as a formal recognition of her academic achievement and does not create any new laws or change existing policies.
This resolution formally recognizes the Louisiana Blazers Elite youth softball team for winning the 2026 USA Softball 16u National Championship. The document highlights that the team, coached by Will Spencer, JC Fressina, and Logan Lewis, achieved this victory by remaining undefeated in eleven games during a tournament held in Oklahoma City. It specifically notes that this marks the first time a Louisiana team has won a national title in any age group. The measure lists the names of the individual players and serves as an official commendation from the Louisiana House of Representatives.
HB 1254 amends the rules governing the New Orleans Regional Business Park Board of Commissioners to change its size from twelve to eleven members. The bill adjusts the appointment process so that the mayor of New Orleans selects five members from specific community and business groups, while other members are appointed by different entities. It also establishes stricter attendance requirements, stating that members with four consecutive unexcused absences will be automatically removed from the board. Additionally, the legislation clarifies how vacancies are filled and sets limits on how long members can serve beyond the term of their appointing authority.
This bill is a resolution that formally recognizes the importance of solemnity, remembrance, and respect on Memorial Day within the Louisiana House of Representatives. It encourages citizens to honor fallen United States service members with reverence and sincerity, drawing on the historical context of the holiday since its establishment in 1868. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic statement to acknowledge the sacrifices of American service members.
This bill is a commendation resolution that honors Bella Cervantes, a childhood cancer survivor and entrepreneur from Louisiana. It recognizes her for founding Brave Bella Bead Co., a business that uses proceeds to support childhood cancer awareness and research. The resolution formally acknowledges her resilience and positive impact on the community but does not create any new laws or policies.
This bill designates June 30, 2026, as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day at the Louisiana state capitol. It also formally commends Paisley Grace Langton and other individuals living with this condition, which causes joint stiffness and limited movement from birth. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about the disease and honor those affected by it.
This bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes Wade Dubea for his retirement from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. It highlights his twenty-five-year career, which included roles as a state forester, educator, and wildfire leader, noting his receipt of the Louisiana Distinguished Civilian Service Award. The resolution expresses appreciation for his contributions to managing the state's forest resources and wishes him well in his future endeavors. This measure does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his public service.
