This bill amends an existing commercial regulations statute by updating specific section references from "501(3)" and "501(8)" to "501(c)(3)" and "501(c)(8)" respectively. These technical corrections apply to licensed establishments governed by the original act and do not introduce new rules or change operational requirements. The changes are purely administrative, ensuring the legal text aligns with the current structure of the code without altering the substance of the law.
This bill creates a new pathway for establishing vocational and technical charter schools in Louisiana that bypass local school boards and go directly to the state board for approval. To qualify, these schools must offer programs aligned with high-demand, high-wage jobs in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and energy, and they must receive a formal resolution of support from the State Board of Commerce and Industry. The legislation allows up to 50% of student enrollment to be reserved for children of employees or residents working in the specific industry the school serves, while also permitting industry representatives to sit on the school's governing board. Additionally, the bill requires charter agreements to include memorandums of understanding with local businesses to provide support such as internships and career counseling.
This bill adds a new exemption to Louisiana's public records law to protect personal information from people who enter lotteries for hunting and fishing licenses. It prevents government agencies from releasing private details like names and addresses of individuals who participate in these specific license draws. The change applies only to lottery applicants and does not affect other public records or general license holder information.
This bill designates specific sections of the Galatas Memorial Bridge in Louisiana by inserting the word "Memorial" into its official name. The change is made through three amendments that update the bridge's title in the state's highway records. Once passed, the legislation ensures the bridge is formally recognized with this specific designation in all relevant transportation documents.
This bill re-establishes the Department of Transportation and Development in Louisiana to operate from June 30, 2026, until July 1, 2031. It sets a specific expiration date for the department and all related agencies, though it allows for the possibility of renewal before that deadline. The legislation also updates state laws to reflect this new timeline and removes a previous conflicting provision.
HB 1200 establishes the Louisiana Rural Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program to help local governments and political subdivisions access federal grant money and secure loans for infrastructure projects. The bill creates a new state fund specifically to administer these loans and manage federal grants related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, targeting projects like water systems and drainage. It sets specific loan limits based on population size, allowing smaller communities to borrow up to $150,000 while adjusting caps for larger areas, and permits loans to include necessary matching funds. Additionally, the legislation expands the list of eligible agencies to include the Louisiana Department of Health and clarifies that funds must be secured before assistance is provided.
This bill, known as the Louisiana Behind the Counter Protection Act, strengthens penalties for crimes committed against employees working at retail and food service counters, drive-through windows, or similar customer service points. It increases the maximum fines and prison sentences for simple assault and battery when the victim is an employee performing their duties at a regulated establishment. Additionally, the law requires businesses to display a specific warning sign informing the public that workplace violence against these employees is a crime. The act defines workplace violence broadly to include physical attacks, threats, intimidation, and verbal abuse directed at staff while they are on the job.
This bill updates Louisiana's laws to create a structured Waterway Assistance Program that helps local governments fund projects for dredging and deepening state waterways. It establishes a quarterly application process where parishes, municipalities, and port authorities can submit project requests to a specific office for review. A joint committee will evaluate these applications, hold public hearings, and create a prioritized list of projects based on available funding before the legislature appropriates money. The bill also creates a dedicated state fund to support these projects and clarifies that local authorities remain responsible for preparing project plans and managing construction.
This bill expands the state's expropriation laws to include large-scale aviation and aerospace facilities, such as airports, landing strips, and spaceflight sites. It specifically allows the government to take over private property used for these purposes if the land covers at least 20,000 contiguous acres and contains no residential buildings. The measure applies to a wide range of entities, including domestic and foreign corporations, limited liability companies, and other legal groups involved in building or operating these facilities. By adding these specific types of properties to the list of expropriatable assets, the bill changes how the state can acquire land for major aerospace projects.
SB 461 expands eligibility for group benefits programs in Louisiana to include active employees of entities created by the Supreme Court to regulate the legal profession. This change specifically covers organizations like the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and the Committee on Bar Admissions, provided the court approves their participation and they fund the employer portion of premiums using their own generated revenue. The bill amends existing state law to formally define these employees as eligible participants in life, health, and other sponsored benefit plans. It does not alter the benefits themselves but clarifies who can access them under the current Office of Group Benefits framework.
HB 1250 creates a special legal process for lawsuits filed against aerospace companies and related entities in Louisiana. The bill allows these entities to file a motion to strike a lawsuit early in the process if they can show the plaintiff has not proven a high probability of success, without having to pay for expensive discovery costs first. If the court dismisses the case using this motion, the aerospace entity can be awarded attorney fees. This law applies to civil cases involving licensed aerospace activities but does not cover enforcement actions brought by state prosecutors.
This bill updates Louisiana law to clarify the roles of nurses in administering medications within public health clinics. It allows registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice registered nurses to insert subcutaneous medication implants and distribute certain medications for treating sexually transmitted diseases or preventing pregnancy under physician-approved protocols. Additionally, the bill permits these licensed nurses to administer reconstituted medications for intravenous therapy when used according to the medication's labeling, while explicitly stating that this process does not constitute compounding. The changes apply specifically to nurses employed by municipal, parochial, or state-operated public health clinics and require adherence to established procedures and protocols.
