Housing

HB 335 requires state agencies, local governments, and organizations administering federal, state, or local public benefits (like food assistance or housing programs) to verify applicants' U.S. citizenship or valid immigration status under federal law. It mandates that entities must verify citizenship before approving benefits, with specific procedures for cases where applicants lack proper status. The bill also requires these entities to undergo annual audits by the legislative auditor and submit yearly reports to state leadership detailing how many applicants were referred to immigration authorities or had benefits terminated due to citizenship verification. These reports must include statistics on referrals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and terminations of public assistance under the law.

HB 712 creates fee waivers for Class "E" driver's licenses and state identification cards for homeless individuals in Louisiana. It requires applicants to provide a letter from an approved entity (like a homeless shelter, healthcare provider, or school liaison) confirming homelessness, which includes people living at or below 100% of the federal poverty line. The waiver covers all fees for issuing, renewing, or replacing these credentials, but excludes individuals violating driver's license laws. This bill directly affects homeless residents seeking essential identification without cost.