HB 1216 amends existing state laws governing clinical laboratory personnel by correcting specific punctuation errors and updating a section reference number. These technical adjustments ensure consistency in the legal text regarding guidelines for laboratory staff and facilities. The bill passed the House with a unanimous vote and was subsequently sent to the Senate for further consideration.
This Senate resolution formally commends Our Lady of Angels Hospital for its leadership in Project M.O.M., a state initiative aimed at reducing pregnancy-related opioid overdose deaths. The program focuses on expanding substance use screening, improving access to treatment medications like those for opioid use disorder, and enhancing care coordination for pregnant and postpartum women. By highlighting the hospital's successful implementation of these strategies, the bill recognizes the facility as a model for statewide efforts to prevent maternal overdose fatalities.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences and honors the life of Dr. Richard Edward Landry, a physician and veteran who passed away in August 2025. The document outlines his personal history, including his military service in Vietnam, his career as a family medicine doctor in Lake Charles, and his extensive community and church involvement. It formally commends his character and contributions while extending sympathy to his wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the family as a gesture of respect.
This bill designates Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association Day at the state capitol. It directly affects the Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association by formally recognizing their work and calling on the public to celebrate their contributions. The resolution highlights the importance of occupational therapists in improving community health and quality of life but does not change any laws or policies. The measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a legislative action with enforceable requirements.
This bill approves Louisiana's Fiscal Year 2027 annual state integrated coastal protection plan, which was developed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board. The plan outlines projects and programs to protect, conserve, enhance, and restore the state's coastal areas, including hurricane protection and land management initiatives. By approving the plan, the legislature authorizes its implementation and directs funding to priority projects based on the plan's identified needs. The resolution follows required public hearings and committee reviews, making the plan effective for the upcoming fiscal year.
This bill allows mental health institutions in Louisiana to provide nonemergency medical transportation for their Medicaid patients using their own vehicles or contracted providers. It establishes that these transportation services will be reimbursed through Medicaid at the same rates as standard nonemergency medical transportation, with managed care organizations required to pay at least those rates directly to the institutions. The law specifically limits transportation to trips related to psychiatric services, such as admission, discharge, or travel between the institution and a patient's home, while excluding other medical services like dental or pharmacy visits. Institutions must still follow all existing state and federal safety and operational requirements for vehicles and drivers. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 447 creates the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, covering the area along Highway 90 from the St. Charles/St. Bernard parish line to Lapalco Boulevard. The district will be governed by a seven-member board appointed by local civic associations and elected officials (including a Jefferson Parish council member), with no tax authority. Its purpose is to enhance economic development, improve infrastructure, and promote job growth for property owners and residents within the defined district boundaries through coordinated planning and public improvements. The district cannot levy taxes but may receive grants and enter contracts to fund projects outlined in its annual budget.
HB 774 requires health insurance companies in Louisiana to cover hearing aids for children under 18 and young adults up to age 26 who are already covered under their insurance policy. The bill mandates that coverage must be provided by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist after a physician's medical clearance and a medically appropriate audiological evaluation. This change applies directly to insured individuals in these age groups and overrides previous insurance coverage limitations (R.S. 22:1047). The law ensures that hearing aid coverage is tied to medical necessity and professional evaluation, rather than being excluded under standard policy terms.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends the Lutcher High School girls and boys powerlifting teams for winning the 2026 Division II state championships. It recognizes the specific achievements of individual athletes and coaches who contributed to the teams' victories at the Louisiana High School Powerlifting Association State Meet. The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of their success and encourages them to continue striving for excellence in future competitions.
This resolution designates April 22, 2026, as Counseling Day at the Capitol in Louisiana to honor the work of professional counselors. It specifically commends the Louisiana Counseling Association for its efforts to support mental health services and reduce stigma within the state. The measure does not change laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of the counseling profession's role in helping individuals and families.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Barney Arceneaux on the occasion of his retirement after more than five decades of public service in Louisiana. The document outlines his extensive career, which includes roles in law enforcement, city government, and leadership positions within the Louisiana Municipal Association. By passing this resolution, the legislature expresses appreciation for his contributions and extends well wishes for his retirement, without creating any new laws or policies.
This bill designates April 22, 2026, as LSU Day at the Louisiana state capitol to honor the Louisiana State University System. The resolution formally recognizes the system's eight institutions, including the upcoming addition of LSU at New Orleans, for their contributions to education, research, and community service across the state. By passing this measure, the legislature acknowledges the university system's achievements without altering any laws or policies. The bill serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a substantive policy change.
