HB 457 establishes minimum housing standards for emergency shelters, community facilities, group homes, and halfway houses serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health must create rules covering safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability for these facilities, in consultation with the state fire marshal. The fire marshal will conduct annual inspections to ensure these housing options meet safety and sanitation standards. Additionally, the Department of Health must seek federal waivers to secure healthcare funding for homeless individuals receiving these services. The bill directly affects homeless service providers and the housing conditions they offer.
This bill requires commercial property owners in Shreveport to demolish their buildings if they receive fire insurance payments and the property becomes dilapidated and dangerous to residents. The law applies retroactively to January 1, 2023, and forward, mandating demolition rather than repair when fire damage leaves structures unsafe. It specifically targets commercial properties in the city that pose health and welfare risks after fire-related insurance claims. The measure gives the city authority to enforce demolition orders under these specific conditions.
HB 616 requires homeless service providers receiving state or local public funds to submit specific documentation upon request from the legislative auditor, parish presidents, or municipal governing bodies. Providers must share program performance metrics (like housing outcomes), goal effectiveness, and clear, simple reports on how public funds are used. Failure to comply could lead to suspension or termination of public funding. This bill directly affects organizations managing homelessness services in Louisiana, aiming to ensure transparency and proper use of taxpayer money.
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.
This bill establishes a statewide Task Force on Blight to study and recommend a comprehensive plan for addressing dilapidated properties and overgrown lots across Louisiana. The task force will include leaders from the Senate, House, major cities, and various state agencies, with members serving without pay but eligible for expense reimbursement. By September 2026, the group will begin meeting to develop a strategic approach using data-driven methods and resource deployment, aiming to submit its final report and legislative proposals by March 2027.
HB 741 requires Louisiana local housing authorities to give priority for housing vouchers to human trafficking survivors. It mandates verification of survivor status through healthcare professionals, law enforcement reports, protective orders, or other official sources. The bill also prohibits public disclosure of addresses linked to these vouchers to protect survivors' privacy. This policy directly affects trafficking survivors seeking stable housing and housing authorities administering voucher programs. The law aims to provide immediate housing support while safeguarding survivors' safety through confidential address handling.
HB 217 allows Louisiana parishes to optionally offer property tax exemptions for blighted or derelict properties that have been rehabilitated. If a parish adopts this exemption, it would provide up to 75% tax relief on residential properties for up to 20 years, or up to 25% relief on adjacent unimproved land for up to 10 years, subject to specific rehabilitation standards. Parishes must establish application processes, approval criteria, and revocation rules for property owners who hold title to qualifying rehabilitated properties. The exemption applies only to properties meeting the bill's definitions of "blighted" (court-declared public nuisance) or "derelict" (structurally unsafe, fire hazards, or dangerous conditions). The policy would take effect for tax years starting January 1, 2027, pending a constitutional amendment approval.
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 214 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not yet enacted) that would allow Louisiana property owners to qualify for an optional property tax exemption on blighted or derelict properties after rehabilitation. It requires the legislature to define terms like "blighted property" and establish rules for the exemption, including its duration and administration. The exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1, 2027, if approved by voters in November 2026. This change directly affects property owners who rehabilitate eligible properties and local governments that would administer the program.
HB 292 clarifies Louisiana's security deposit return rules for residential tenants. It requires landlords to return all or part of a security deposit within one month after a lease ends, or up to two months if both parties agree in writing. Landlords may only keep funds to cover legitimate costs like repairs for tenant-caused damage or unreasonable wear, and must provide a detailed written explanation for any retained amount. This directly affects residential tenants and landlords across Louisiana by standardizing deposit return timelines and requiring transparent accounting.
