HB 636, the "Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act," requires Louisiana public colleges and universities to prevent, report, and respond to hazing involving student organizations. It defines hazing broadly (including physical brutality, dangerous activities, or substance consumption) and mandates annual hazing education for all students starting fall 2027, plus specific orientation education for new students. The bill also requires student organizations to report hazing incidents to both law enforcement and their institution, and institutions must document all actions and share full details with law enforcement. These provisions directly affect public postsecondary institutions, their students, and all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and clubs.
This bill updates Louisiana state laws to clarify the penalties the insurance commissioner can impose on insurers, insurance producers, claims adjusters, and related licensees for violating insurance regulations. It allows the commissioner to issue fines of up to $1,000 per violation, with an annual cap of $100,000 per entity, or to suspend or revoke licenses when violations are serious enough to warrant such action. The bill also gives the commissioner authority to order violators to stop their non-compliant activities and provides for administrative hearings if an affected party contests the penalty. Additionally, the legislation removes certain previous limitations on when the commissioner can impose fines and includes technical updates to existing statutes.
HB 519 requires Louisiana trial courts to follow specific ethical standards when appointing special masters in complex, consolidated cases involving shared factual questions. It mandates that such appointments comply with the state's Code of Judicial Conduct and federal rules (Fed. Civ. R. 53) for special masters, except where state law conflicts. The bill directly affects trial courts handling multi-case litigation, ensuring appointments meet consistent ethical and procedural standards. This change aims to standardize oversight for special masters without altering substantive case outcomes. The bill is procedural, focusing on appointment mechanics rather than new substantive law.
HB 535 simplifies paternity acknowledgment for parents using hospital-based programs in Louisiana. It requires both parents to sign the form, which must be notarized (replacing the previous need for two witnesses), making the signed document legally valid for changing a child's paternity record with the state. This applies to parents aged 18 or older who choose to acknowledge paternity through hospitals. Minors under 18 are excluded and must follow other legal procedures to establish paternity. The bill changes the process to streamline legal recognition without altering parental rights or responsibilities.
HB 857 requires seafood processors and distributors in Louisiana to clearly label products that are a mix of imported and domestic seafood. It mandates that if seafood is commingled (mixed), it must be labeled as such, not falsely marketed as entirely domestic. The law allows the Louisiana Department of Agriculture to test suspected mislabeled seafood and impose civil penalties on violators. This bill directly affects businesses handling seafood in the state and aims to prevent deceptive labeling practices. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.
HB 574 amends Louisiana law to revise the membership requirements for the Mental Health Advocacy Service board of trustees. It specifies that the board will include representatives from designated law schools (Loyola, Southern University, LSU, and Tulane) and updated names for key organizations: the Louisiana Mental Health Association, Louisiana State Medical Society, and Louisiana State Bar Association. The bill does not create new services or funding but adjusts which entities serve on the governing board. This is a procedural change affecting the board's composition, not the service's operations.
HB 826 (Louisiana) would require that non-licensed professionals (like real estate agents or financial advisors) who refer customers to insurance salespeople cannot receive compensation based on the customer's eventual purchase or application. Instead, any referral fee must be a fixed amount, not tied to sales. The bill directly affects businesses or individuals making such referrals, ensuring their payment structure is separate from insurance sales outcomes. This change aims to prevent conflicts of interest in insurance referrals while maintaining clear rules for compensation. (Note: The bill is currently pending in committee as of February 2026.)
HB 486 enacts Louisiana's participation in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing psychologists licensed in Louisiana to provide telepsychology services (via video or phone) and temporary in-person care (up to 30 days per year) in other participating states without obtaining additional licenses. The bill establishes a $50 fee for Louisiana-licensed psychologists using the compact and requires states to share information on licensure and disciplinary actions to protect public safety. It defines key terms like "home state" (Louisiana for the psychologist) and "distant state" (the state where temporary care occurs), while ensuring the compact does not apply to permanent in-person practice. This aims to increase access to psychological services across state lines while maintaining regulatory oversight through shared information and commission oversight.
HB 287 extends the Louisiana Tax Commission's authority to collect specific fees for property tax assessments, now covering the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. The bill directly affects property owners in Louisiana, as these fees are tied to the Commission's evaluation of property values for tax purposes. It does not create new fees or alter assessment methods but prolongs the existing fee collection period to ensure continuity in property tax administration. The extension applies to fees already authorized under current law, with no new provisions beyond the time frame.
HB 299 allows individuals to file jury bonds in person, by U.S. Postal Service mail, or via commercial delivery services (like FedEx or UPS) instead of only in person. This change directly affects people who must submit jury bonds, such as those serving on juries or their representatives. The bill amends Louisiana's court filing rules to explicitly include these three methods for jury bonds, streamlining the process without altering jury service requirements. It is a procedural update focused on accessibility, not substantive policy.
SB 351 modifies Louisiana's Early Childhood Education Fund rules by requiring local entities receiving state funds to provide a 1:1 match from non-government sources to expand childcare slots for families in the Child Care Assistance Program. It specifically targets quality slots in centers serving children under 15 months, limiting eligibility to economically disadvantaged families as defined by the State Board. The bill also expands the Advisory Council's role to advise on early education programs like Head Start and the Child Care Assistance Program. These changes directly affect local childcare providers and low-income families accessing state-funded early education services.
HB 680 updates Louisiana's workforce development system to align with federal requirements under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It establishes a unified statewide planning process, replaces fragmented local workforce boards with a coordinated system, and allows the state to seek federal waivers to reduce administrative costs. The bill directs more funding toward direct job training and employment services (rather than overhead) and requires Louisiana Works to prioritize measurable employment outcomes for workers and employers. This affects state agencies, local workforce boards, businesses seeking skilled workers, and job seekers needing training.
