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.
HB 846 prohibits drivers from covering or obscuring license plates with films, coverings, or substances that reduce visibility, legibility, or reflectivity. It directly affects drivers who apply decorative films, frames, or other materials to their plates. The bill requires plates to be clearly visible at all times and sets fines of up to $75 for a first offense and $250 for repeat violations. This law amends Louisiana's vehicle code to ensure license plates remain fully readable for law enforcement and identification purposes.
HB 301 creates the "Independent Contractor Voluntary Portable Benefits Act," allowing independent contractors in Louisiana to establish portable benefit accounts. These accounts, owned by the contractor and not tied to any specific employer, can be funded through voluntary contributions from hiring parties (like companies) or the contractors themselves, with clear opt-in and opt-out requirements. Key provisions include allowing contributions for health insurance, retirement, disability, and other benefits, while explicitly stating these contributions cannot be used to determine employment status or create employer liability under state labor laws. The bill directly affects independent contractors by providing a mechanism to access portable benefits across multiple clients.
HB 835 establishes an annual $100 charter guide permit for fishing guides operating within Louisiana's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). This permit replaces individual access permits for both the guide and their paying clients during for-hire fishing trips. Guides must submit confidential landing reports detailing trips, anglers, and fishing locations to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, but financial data is excluded. Violations of the permit or reporting rules carry fines starting at $1,000 or require vessel monitoring systems for repeat offenses, with license suspension possible for non-compliance. The bill directly affects commercial fishing guides conducting trips in WMAs.
HB 757 prohibits commercial fishing for menhaden (a small fish used in fish oil and feed) within Louisiana waters designated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It directly affects commercial fishers, vessels, and businesses involved in menhaden harvesting. The bill establishes strict liability (meaning violators are responsible without proof of intent) and imposes escalating penalties: $50,000 for a first offense, license revocation for up to 365 days for repeated violations, and permanent license loss after a fourth violation. These penalties apply to individuals or businesses operating commercial fishing vessels in prohibited zones.
HB 727 prevents Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality from banning the burning of untreated, unpainted dimensional lumber (like wood framing materials used in construction). This directly affects construction companies, property owners, and contractors who manage debris from building projects. The bill requires the Department to update or remove any conflicting rules in the Administrative Code that would otherwise restrict this specific type of burning. It creates a clear exception for this debris type, making it legal to burn without new permits or approvals under current regulations.
HB 813 proposes changing the term start date for Orleans Parish sheriffs. It specifies that the sheriff elected in 2029 will serve until January 9, 2034 (instead of a full four-year term), while all subsequent sheriffs elected after 2029 will take office on the second Monday in January following their election. This bill directly affects Orleans Parish voters and future sheriffs by altering the timing of their terms. The key mechanism adjusts the start date from the current May 1st to January, with a one-time exception for the 2029 election. The bill is currently pending in committee and not yet law.
HB 929 creates Louisiana's Motor Vehicle Glass Law, directly affecting motor vehicle glass repair shops, insurers, and drivers involved in glass repair claims. It prohibits repair shops from offering inducements to direct claims, charging excessive fees, falsifying documentation, or misrepresenting coverage. The law specifically requires written notice to drivers about advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration needs after glass replacement and mandates shops verify insurer approval before guaranteeing coverage. These provisions aim to prevent deceptive practices and ensure transparent, fair repair processes for vehicle glass and related safety systems.
