SB 390 requires Louisiana's Public Service Commission to create a statewide digital map showing the locations of all utility systems (electricity, water, gas, and wastewater) owned by public or private companies. The bill mandates that utility owners pay for the mapping costs and sets a deadline of December 31, 2032, for the map to achieve at least 85% accuracy. It also authorizes the Commission to create a grant program for preventing utility damage and to establish rules for implementation. This directly affects all utility providers operating in Louisiana, requiring them to fund and participate in the mapping effort.
HB 627 requires all government bodies created by law (like city councils or school boards) to both live-stream and video record every public meeting. This applies to all open proceedings, except private executive sessions, and mandates real-time online or TV broadcasting via the internet. The law exempts bodies from penalties if broadcast failures occur due to unforeseen technological issues beyond their control. It aims to increase public access to government meetings by making proceedings immediately available online.
HB 485 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's Constitution that declares parental rights in a child's nurturing, education, care, custody, and control as fundamental. It would require courts to apply "strict scrutiny" to any government restriction on these rights, meaning restrictions would need strong justification to be upheld. The amendment must be approved by Louisiana voters in the November 2026 election, where the ballot will ask: "Do you support an amendment to provide that parents have the fundamental right to decide the nurturing, education, care, custody, and control of their children?" If passed, this would change how courts evaluate laws or policies affecting parental decision-making.
HB 390 requires employers with 50+ Louisiana employees to provide up to three unpaid workdays per year for domestic abuse survivors. It allows leave for medical care, counseling, relocation, shelter services, or legal actions related to abuse. Employers may request documentation like court orders or appointment confirmations but cannot retaliate against employees using this leave. The bill directly affects domestic abuse survivors working for qualifying employers and prohibits discrimination for taking protected leave.
SB 370 gives Louisiana's State Licensing Board for Contractors full authority to review all standard construction practices statewide. It directly affects licensed contractors by enabling the board to hold hearings and suspend or revoke licenses for substandard work. The key provision requires the board to proactively monitor construction practices and take disciplinary action when violations occur under existing law. This bill creates a new mechanism for enforcing construction quality standards without changing other licensing requirements.
This constitutional amendment (HB 711) proposes adding an exception to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission's authority over state wildlife. Specifically, it would remove the "Animal Rehabilitation Program" from the Commission's control and supervision, granting it a separate status under the state constitution. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, the amendment would change Article IX, Section 7(A) to explicitly exempt this program from the Commission's oversight. The change directly affects the Animal Rehabilitation Program's regulatory structure, not other wildlife management.
HB 760 prohibits Louisiana Medicaid-enrolled healthcare providers from charging patients extra fees or co-payments for covered services related to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. The bill requires providers to accept the Medicaid program’s payment as full payment for these services, eliminating unauthorized charges. Violations could lead to the provider’s termination or exclusion from Medicaid for up to one year. This directly affects Medicaid providers and patients receiving medication-assisted treatment, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for these specific covered services.
HB 737 removes the requirement for students to provide proof of meningococcal disease vaccination when entering certain schools or colleges. It directly affects students entering school for the first time, sixth grade, or postsecondary institutions. The bill amends Louisiana law by deleting specific mandates for meningococcal vaccination while keeping other required immunizations (like measles and polio) on the school entry schedule.
HB 694 amends Louisiana law to adjust penalties for late or inaccurate filings under ethics and campaign finance laws. It sets daily fines ranging from $20 to $150 per day (capped at $250-$1,500), depending on the filer type (e.g., candidates for major office, lobbyists, or campaign committees). The bill also adds additional penalties for reports filed more than 6 or 11 days late, with maximum fines of $5,000 for certain violations. These changes apply to filings required under the Code of Governmental Ethics, Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, and lobbying disclosure laws. The bill does not create new reporting requirements but modifies existing penalty structures for non-compliance.
HB 460 would protect state employees and job applicants in Louisiana from employment discrimination based on using physician-recommended medical marijuana. It prohibits state agencies and the Civil Service Commission from refusing to hire or firing individuals who use medical marijuana as prescribed, while still allowing drug testing for impairment during work hours. The bill applies to all state classified and unclassified service positions, ensuring medical marijuana use does not affect employment decisions. This change would update existing anti-discrimination law to explicitly include medical marijuana use under state employment protections.
HB 695 requires vehicle owners to obtain a permit from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections before moving another vehicle with the owner's permission for non-business reasons (like helping a friend with a dead car). It mandates safety measures during such towing, including hazard lights, reflectors, visible signage, and proper equipment. Violating this rule results in a $1,000 fine payable to the Louisiana State Police. The bill directly affects residents who perform consensual noncommercial towing without a permit, making it unlawful without prior authorization from the state.
HB 928 clarifies enforcement of Louisiana's commercial building codes, primarily affecting commercial property owners, developers, and local governments. It requires the state fire marshal to review building plans within 14 days for structures excluding single-family homes, enforces fire safety and accessibility standards, and mandates that municipalities use certified code enforcement officers or third-party providers. The bill allows the fire marshal to consider economic hardship when enforcing codes and permits alternative construction methods if they meet International Building Code standards. It also repeals outdated provisions and clarifies that fire marshals - not local authorities - handle fire protection, egress, and accessibility rules for commercial properties.
