HB 47 updates Louisiana's Assessors' Retirement Fund by changing how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated and approved for retirees. It allows the board of trustees to grant COLAs up to 3% of a retiree's original benefit (capped at $300 annually) or a minimum $20 monthly payment for those 65+, based on the fund's financial health (requiring a 100% funded ratio or specific lower thresholds). The bill also modifies employer contributions, requiring assessors and the retirement fund board to pay 3.5% of eligible salaries toward the fund. These changes directly affect retired assessors, their beneficiaries, and current assessors who fund the retirement system.
This bill asks the U.S. Congress to provide $10 million in federal funding to Louisiana to remove four unsafe bridges on U.S. Highway 90 in St. Tammany Parish. The bridges were closed in 2022 due to structural problems, which cut off a vital route for commuters, businesses, and hurricane evacuations connecting New Orleans to Mississippi. The legislation specifically targets the 2027 federal budget for transportation to pay for the demolition of these structures, which is intended as the first step toward rebuilding the highway. It is a formal request from the state legislature to the federal government and does not guarantee that the funding will be approved.
HB 247 creates the Allen Parish Economic Development District to replace the Allen Parish Tourist Commission, directly affecting all residents and businesses in Allen Parish. The district, governed by a five-member board including chamber presidents and parish officials, will focus on economic development, job creation, and infrastructure improvements across the entire parish. A key provision allows the district to levy a 3% hotel occupancy tax on room rentals, collected in addition to existing city taxes, with funds dedicated exclusively to district projects. The bill abolishes the Tourist Commission and transfers its assets, while establishing the new district as a political subdivision authorized to contract, acquire property, and develop public improvements.
This bill ensures that laboratory schools run by public universities in Louisiana, including those under the University of Louisiana System, receive state funding through the Minimum Foundation Program. It updates existing state law to classify these schools as public elementary or secondary schools, making them eligible for annual funding allocations based on a standardized formula. The change directly affects university-operated schools like those at Louisiana State University, Southern University, and institutions such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Monroe. By including these schools in the funding formula, the legislation aims to provide consistent financial support for their operations without altering their university affiliation.
SB 58 imposes mandatory minimum sentences for "aggravated flight" from law enforcement officers in Louisiana. It requires a minimum one-year prison term (without parole or early release) for fleeing police, increasing to two years if the flight causes serious injury. The bill also mandates that fines from these offenses must fund police pursuit training or safety technology, not general agency budgets. Additionally, it requires insurance proceeds related to such crimes to follow existing legal handling rules. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of fleeing police and changes how related fines are used by law enforcement agencies.
SB 113 establishes a backup mechanism for Louisiana's Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program in Calcasieu Parish. If the parish fails to authorize a local hospital assessment payment by June 1, 2026, municipalities within the parish with populations over 60,000 may independently authorize such assessments for healthcare providers operating within their city limits. The bill treats these municipalities as equivalent to parishes for compliance purposes, requiring them to meet the same program requirements. This procedural bill directly affects Calcasieu Parish and its larger municipalities, clarifying governance authority for healthcare funding.
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.
This bill asks the Louisiana State Law Institute to study how to speed up the sale of tax-delinquent property that has been held for a long time. The study would focus on finding ways to sell this property to buyers who plan to fix it up and add value, rather than letting it sit idle. The Louisiana State Law Institute must complete its research and send recommendations to the state legislature by January 1, 2027. This request comes after recent changes to how tax liens are handled, which still allow some properties to remain unsold for extended periods. The bill does not change any laws itself but instead seeks expert advice on potential improvements to the current tax sale system.
HB 521 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's property tax system, allowing local taxing authorities (like parishes or municipalities) to adjust property tax rates to the maximum authorized rate from a prior reassessment without requiring new voter approval. The key mechanism permits these authorities to increase rates to the previous year's maximum level using a two-thirds vote of the governing body, after holding a public hearing with proper notice. This change would take effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all property tax collections starting that date. The bill does not change current tax rates but modifies the process for adjusting them, requiring transparency through public hearings while removing the need for separate voter referendums for these adjustments.
SB 135 directs 25% of annual tax revenue from sports wagering (capped at $20 million per year) to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund. This bill amends tax code to ensure these dedicated funds support early childhood education programs statewide. The provision takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to all future sports wagering tax proceeds meeting the specified thresholds. It does not create new taxes but redirects existing revenue streams to a specific education fund.
