Louisiana Bills

HB 572 modifies state law concerning post-conviction relief and the correction of illegal sentences for individuals convicted of crimes. It clarifies the definition of "post conviction relief" as a procedure for challenging the legality of confinement after a sentence and conviction are final. The bill establishes eligibility requirements, stating that petitioners must be currently serving a sentence or under probation or parole. It also outlines detailed procedures for filing petitions, including specific information required, and addresses matters such as appeals, motions, and the duties of various legal parties involved in these proceedings.

HB 397 revises the Code of Governmental Ethics, directly affecting public servants, including legislators and legislative employees. It redefines what constitutes a "thing of economic value," clarifying exceptions for items like promotional materials, medical samples, and certain food and drink. The bill also establishes new definitions, such as "public speech," and sets specific rules for "reasonable transportation" for legislators and legislative employees, outlining its use for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes with defined geographic limits. Furthermore, it addresses provisions related to payments from nonpublic sources, prohibited contractual arrangements, financial disclosure requirements, and procedures for ethics investigations and penalties.

HB 670 proposes to implement new fees on money transmitted from Louisiana to locations outside the United States. Individuals sending less than $500 would pay a $5 fee, while those sending $500 or more would pay $5 plus an additional 5% on the amount exceeding $500. These fees would be collected by licensed money transmitters and remitted quarterly. The collected funds would be deposited into a newly established "Human Trafficking Prevention and Victim Services Fund," to be used exclusively for human trafficking prevention initiatives and victim services.

House Bill 666 proposes to reduce individual, corporate, and estate/trust income tax rates. It also levies a new five percent state sales and use tax on telecommunications, cable television, and satellite services, which will replace any local sales taxes on these services. Additionally, the bill expands the sales and use tax to include services such as lobbying, consulting, and private investigations. These new state sales tax revenues will help fund the newly established Local Revenue Fund, which aims to offset losses for local ad valorem tax recipient bodies due to business inventory exemptions.

HB 662 proposes a new tax on specific insurance policies for certain for-profit businesses in Louisiana. This tax applies to commercial general liability or dwelling fire insurance policies for single-family rental properties owned by businesses that acquire or own 40 or more such properties in a calendar year. The tax rate is $1,000 per property, but it only applies to properties exceeding the first 39 owned or acquired by the business within that year. The revenue generated from this tax will be dedicated to the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program Fund, and the provisions are set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

HB 539 creates a program and a dedicated fund, to be administered by the Louisiana Department of Health. The purpose of this initiative is to recruit specialist physicians to practice medicine within the state. The bill aims to increase the availability of specialized medical care by incentivizing these physicians to establish their practices in Louisiana.

HB 201 expands eligibility for the R.E.A.D. (Reading Enrichment and Academic Deliverables) program. It makes all students in prekindergarten through fifth grade eligible if they attend elementary schools that have received a "D" or "F" school performance letter grade. The bill requires the state Department of Education to provide quarterly shipments of books and family literacy resources directly to these eligible schools. These schools must then distribute the materials to their students, with the department determining the content of the family literacy resources.

HB 101 proposes to repeal existing Louisiana law concerning compensation for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. Currently, this law allows a person whose conviction has been reversed or vacated to receive compensation if they prove their innocence by clear and convincing evidence. Compensation for these cases is paid from the Innocence Compensation Fund, with the Attorney General representing the state in such proceedings. If enacted, HB 101 would eliminate these provisions, thereby removing the legal framework for state-funded compensation for wrongful convictions.

HB 671 establishes a nonrefundable income tax credit for taxpayers who donate to qualifying nonprofit organizations that serve victims of human trafficking. The credit amount is equal to the donation, up to a maximum of $30,000 per taxpayer, with a statewide cap of $300,000 annually awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifying organizations must operate licensed residential homes and provide specific services like academic, psychiatric, and therapy support to female adolescent victims of human trafficking. Unused credit can be carried forward for up to five years, and the provisions take effect for taxable periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

HB 668 amends Louisiana's tobacco tax laws, affecting manufacturers, dealers, and consumers of tobacco products. The bill continues the existing excise tax levied on cigarettes, outlining several specific tax rates per cigarette. It also authorizes reduced excise tax rates for certain tobacco products, allowing a 60% reduction for products with a U.S. FDA risk modification order and a 25% reduction for products with an exposure modification order. Additionally, the bill updates definitions related to tobacco products and taxation.

House Bill 659 amends Louisiana law regarding property tax exemptions for certain properties owned by nonprofit organizations. It defines "term of the lease" for properties leased to nonprofits for housing the homeless, clarifying how long these properties can receive an ad valorem tax exemption. Additionally, the bill defines "commercial purposes" as any business activity generating revenues in excess of costs, specifically for properties that are prohibited from receiving such tax exemptions. This bill will only take effect if a related proposed constitutional amendment is adopted by voters.

HB 672 establishes the Catastrophe Reinsurance Program in Louisiana to offer an alternative method for insurance companies to secure reinsurance for natural disaster losses. This program aims to stabilize and make homeowner's insurance more affordable for residents, especially in high-risk areas. The bill authorizes the State Bond Commission to issue "catastrophe bonds" to fund the program. These bonds will be repaid through fees or assessments imposed on insurance policies. Participating insurance companies will be required to offer more homeowner's insurance policies in high-risk areas at reduced premiums.