HB 656 would repeal a previously enacted reduction in Louisiana's state sales and use tax rate, effectively increasing the tax rate. It would dedicate a portion of the resulting tax revenue - estimated at $276.8 million - to fund permanent salary increases for public school staff, specifically requiring at least $2,000 for certified personnel and $1,000 for noncertified personnel. The bill's implementation is conditional: it would only take effect on January 1, 2030, if the legislature fails to secure funding for these raises by December 31, 2029, through the Minimum Foundation Program or other sources. This bill directly affects public school employees across Louisiana's city, parish, and local school boards.
HB 601 is a procedural bill that makes technical corrections to existing law by deleting specific phrases (such as "and R.S. 19.2.3" and "is hereby enacted") from a statute. It does not create new policy or directly affect any group; it solely streamlines or clarifies the wording of an existing legal provision. The bill passed with amendments on May 8, 2025, after committee review. Its title referencing "carbon dioxide sequestration" is misleading, as the actual text addresses only minor legal language adjustments.
HB 586 proposes calling a constitutional convention in Louisiana to draft a new state constitution, directly affecting all Louisiana residents through potential changes to the state's foundational law. The bill specifies 105 delegates (elected from parishes and appointed from government associations) to convene on December 2, 2025, with elections for parish delegates scheduled for October 11, 2025. Key mechanisms include setting the convention's structure, requiring the new constitution to be approved by voters, and outlining delegate qualifications and ethical rules. If approved by voters, the new constitution would take effect after the election, replacing the current 1974 document.
HCR 71 is a Louisiana legislative resolution asking Congress to explore shifting airport security responsibilities from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to airline employees. The resolution cites concerns about lengthy security processes, inefficiencies, and passenger discomfort, referencing a 2015 TSA internal review where undercover investigators successfully passed prohibited items through checkpoints. It suggests that properly trained airline personnel could potentially handle security screenings while maintaining safety standards and improving the travel experience. The resolution specifically requests Congress consider alternative security models to "enhance the freedom of travel and improve the air travel experience" for U.S. citizens.
HB 265 prohibits ambulance employers from hiring or continuing employment with licensed or nonlicensed ambulance personnel who have been convicted of specific offenses, including violent crimes (e.g., R.S. 14:28.1, 30, 32.6) and certain thefts (e.g., theft over $500 or with prior convictions). The bill directly affects ambulance drivers whose criminal history includes these offenses, as revealed by mandatory background checks. Key provisions require employers to deny hiring or terminate employment for those convicted of listed crimes, with limited exceptions for prior approvals under existing law. This amendment updates existing employment restrictions in Louisiana law to expand prohibitions for ambulance personnel safety.
HB 215 creates exceptions to Louisiana's abortion restrictions for pregnancies resulting from specific sex offenses when the victim is under 17 years old. It defines abortion to exclude terminations following acts covered by Louisiana statutes for rape (R.S. 14:41-43), sexual battery (R.S. 14:43.1), or other sexual crimes against minors (R.S. 14:80-81.2, 89-89.1). The bill explicitly states that providers are not required to obtain police reports, forensic evidence, or confirm prosecution of the alleged offense. This provision directly affects minors under 17 who are victims of these specified crimes, allowing abortion access without additional documentation or legal proceedings. The bill remains pending after committee referral in April 2025.
HB 696 requires operators of carbon dioxide storage facilities to ensure specific fire departments have necessary emergency equipment before CO2 injection begins. It directly affects operators of CO2 storage facilities and fire departments in parishes with transmission pipelines or jurisdiction over storage sites. Key provisions mandate operators provide missing personal protective equipment identified during pre-injection training exercises. The bill focuses on emergency preparedness for CO2 storage operations, not on carbon policy or sequestration methods. (Note: The bill's amendments primarily renumbered or deleted sections, with Amendment 9 adding the fire department requirements.)
This resolution (HR 277) urges the governor to temporarily assign Louisiana State Police to assist Shreveport police during the investigation into the May 18, 2025, shooting death of Brandon Davenport. It requests state police support for law enforcement duties in Shreveport until the investigation concludes. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks state agencies to consider this temporary assistance. It specifically references the ongoing investigation led by the Louisiana State Police. The request is pending referral to the House and Governmental Affairs Committee.
HR 275 directs Louisiana's Legislative Auditor to study public bid laws, parish/municipal infrastructure project delivery, and potential reforms to improve efficiency. The auditor will specifically examine current contract limits (like the $250,000 public works threshold established in 2020), procedural approval timelines, and relevant policies affecting project speed. They must consult with officials from parishes (e.g., Jefferson, Orleans), city infrastructure departments, and contractor associations. The auditor will submit a written report with recommendations to the House Transportation Committee by January 31, 2026, focusing on practical improvements for infrastructure projects statewide.
HB 608, titled "Louisiana Atmospheric Protection Act," creates a reporting mechanism for suspected atmospheric activities like geoengineering or cloud seeding, but does not impose new regulatory bans. It directs citizens to report such activities to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which must collect and publicly share these reports. The bill explicitly excludes incidental air pollution from normal operations, stating prohibitions only apply to activities "for the express purpose of affecting weather or climate." As noted in the bill's title ("EG NO IMPACT"), it is primarily declarative and procedural, with no new enforcement mechanisms or substantive restrictions on atmospheric activities.
HR 254 is a ceremonial resolution designating the Village of Cankton, Louisiana, as the "Accordion Capital of Louisiana." It honors Cankton's cultural significance in Cajun music heritage, specifically recognizing the accordion's role in local traditions and its historical association with musicians like Belton Richard and Clifton Chenier. The resolution has no policy impact or financial obligations; it solely provides symbolic recognition for the village. This is a non-binding honorific designation, not a law affecting residents or government operations.
This resolution (HR 244) requests the Louisiana legislative auditor to review audits of criminal fines, fees, and court costs collected by local and state entities. The auditor must compile a report by January 2026 detailing how much the judicial system relies on these fees, the costs of collecting them, unused fees, outstanding debt, and alternative funding options. The report will assess whether the current funding model is sustainable and provide recommendations for fully funding courts without fines or fees. This procedural resolution directly affects the state’s judicial funding structure and will inform future legislative decisions.
