SB 357 updates Louisiana's court procedures by creating a new mechanism allowing federal courts and courts from other states to request guidance from Louisiana's Supreme Court on unresolved questions of Louisiana law. It also modifies administrative rules regarding court security personnel, crier salaries, and expense reimbursements for justices (including travel costs for those living over 50 miles from court). The bill repeals an outdated section (R.S. 13:75) and adds provisions clarifying that certain reimbursements do not count toward retirement benefits. These changes primarily affect state court operations, justices, and security staff, with no direct impact on the general public.
HB 514 proposes a constitutional amendment (Article VII, Section 21(P)) to create an additional property tax exemption for Louisiana residents aged 65 and older who already qualify for the homestead exemption. It provides age-based exemptions: $6,000 for ages 65-68, $12,000 for 69-72, $18,000 for 73-76, $24,000 for 77-80, and $30,000 for 81+. The exemption requires local parish or municipality approval via voter referendum and prohibits taxing authorities from increasing taxes on other residents due to this change. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2028, pending voter approval in November 2026.
HB 350 creates École Pointe-au-Chien as a public French immersion school serving students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in Terrebonne Parish. The bill establishes the school as independent from state education boards, operating under its own board of directors. It specifies the school’s grade levels and location while requiring French immersion instruction as part of its curriculum. This directly affects students enrolled at École Pointe-au-Chien and its governing board.
SB 22 adds constables in the Second City Court of New Orleans to the Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS) as eligible members. This specifically affects constables in that court who previously may not have qualified for MERS membership under existing rules. The bill amends Louisiana law to define "marshals or constables of city courts" as eligible employers under MERS, expanding retirement system access for these positions. The change takes effect upon governor's signature or legislative approval, without altering existing retirement benefits or creating new positions.
This bill directs the Louisiana House Committee on Agriculture to conduct a study on the use of biosolids and other human waste materials on farmland. The investigation will examine current regulations, the presence of emerging contaminants like PFAS, and potential risks to soil, livestock, and groundwater. Committee members are authorized to gather data from state agencies and experts to evaluate these issues and compare practices with other states. The committee must submit a written report of its findings to the House of Representatives by February 1, 2027.
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.
