This bill establishes and modifies the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund to support early learning programs. It requires the state to deposit at least $30 million annually into the fund starting in 2027, with additional contributions from grants and donations. The money can only be used for matching grants to local entities that expand quality early childhood care slots for families receiving child care assistance, provided the local entities contribute equal non-state and non-federal funding. The bill also directs unspent state education funds to be transferred to this fund at the end of each fiscal year, with exceptions for funds that have existing liabilities.
This bill allows the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau to collect an additional hotel occupancy tax from guests staying at hotels, motels, and overnight camping facilities in Caddo and Bossier parishes. The tax requires voter approval through a statewide election, where a majority of voters must vote in favor of both the initial tax and any future renewal. The authority to collect the tax would last for twelve years after voter approval, with the option to renew for another twelve-year period if approved by voters again. This change directly affects hotel and camping businesses operating in the area and the tourists who stay at these facilities.
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.
This bill allows the Louisiana Commissioner of Administration to sell surplus movable state property through public auctions. It requires the commissioner to hire qualified auctioneers via competitive bidding, with the contract lasting one year and requiring annual renewal. When both in-state and out-of-state auctioneers bid, the law gives preference to in-state professionals if their services are equal in quality and cost no more than 10% higher than out-of-state options. The changes apply to any state board, commission, agency, or department disposing of surplus movable items.
This bill allocates $65,000 from the state's general fund to pay a legal settlement reached between the State of Louisiana and Gina Raymond regarding a lawsuit involving the Department of Transportation and Development. The funds will cover the principal amount, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees specified in the February 2026 consent judgment against Allstate Insurance Company, Geico Casualty Insurance Company, and Preston J. Volpi. The legislation establishes that payment will only occur after the judgment is finalized and requires submission of documentation to the state treasurer before funds are released. Once paid, the state considers the judgment satisfied and stops accruing additional interest from the effective date of the bill.
This bill allocates $198,298.75 from Louisiana's state general fund to pay a consent judgment in a lawsuit between the state and Angie Richmond, who is the legal successor of Anthony Murray. The funds are designated for the Department of Transportation and Development and will cover the judgment's principal, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees. The legislation establishes that payment requires documentation submitted to the state treasurer and specifies that interest stops accruing once the act takes effect. The bill becomes effective upon the governor's signature or after the legislative session concludes without a veto.
This bill creates the Faubourg Nouveau Marigny Improvement District in New Orleans, establishing a new local organization to manage neighborhood improvements in that specific area. The district will be governed by a five-person board consisting of representatives from the existing neighborhood association and three residents elected by district voters, who will oversee beautification projects, infrastructure upgrades, and community events. Funding for these initiatives will come from a property fee collected from landowners within the district, with amounts capped at $100 per year for most residential and commercial parcels, $500 for unimproved land, and subject to voter approval before collection begins. The district operates as a political subdivision of the state with powers to enter contracts, purchase property, and collaborate with city agencies, while its funds must be used exclusively for district benefits and remain subject to state audit requirements.
This bill establishes the Louisiana Urban Search and Rescue Program within the Office of State Fire Marshal to coordinate disaster response efforts for locating and rescuing victims trapped by natural or man-made disasters. The program will be led by a director appointed by the state fire marshal, who will hire staff and develop policies for response teams, training, equipment, and operational procedures. Funding for the program comes from legislative appropriations placed in a dedicated state treasury fund, with unspent money carried over and invested annually. The bill does not replace existing emergency services but adds a specialized urban search and rescue component to complement current disaster response capabilities.
Tags
Emergency Management
Public Safety
This bill establishes the comprehensive capital outlay budget for Louisiana state government, institutions, and public entities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, allocating specific funding amounts for designated projects and improvements. It outlines how funds will be sourced from the state treasury, federal funds, and self-generated revenues, with particular attention to general obligation bonds and their priority system for funding projects. The legislation sets rules for project prioritization, allowing the State Bond Commission to fund higher priority projects first while permitting exceptions for emergencies or impractical situations, and requires legislative approval for changes to project descriptions or priority designations.
This bill directs how money in the East Baton Rouge Parish Riverside Centroplex Fund should be used, affecting the city of Baton Rouge and its local projects. It allows state legislators to annually decide how much money to spend on capital improvements and operations at the Riverside Centroplex, Louisiana Arts and Science Center Museum, Riverfront Promenade, and other Riverfront Development Plan projects. The bill also specifies that any unused money in the fund stays in the fund, while interest earned from investments goes into the state general fund. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026.
