SB 289 adds new exemptions to Louisiana's public records law for specific university records. It makes applicant information for executive roles (like presidents or athletic coaches) confidential until a finalist is named, protects donor identities (unless consented to disclosure), and shields proprietary research, unpublished data, and IP-related records from public requests. These exemptions expire when research is published, a patent is granted, or the institution determines the information no longer requires confidentiality. The bill directly affects public universities, job applicants for leadership positions, university donors, and researchers seeking to keep certain work private.
SB 488 establishes a pilot program to use drones as part of school safety and crisis response plans. The bill directly affects school districts by allowing them to incorporate drone technology into their existing emergency management strategies. It requires the state to fund this pilot program to test how drones can assist during school emergencies. The legislation amends the title to refer to 'Education' instead of 'Schools' to broaden the scope of the program.
HB 220 requires "covered platforms" (like social media, video games, and messaging apps that host user-generated content) to implement a clear, easy-to-use reporting mechanism for suspected child exploitation content. Platforms must provide plain-language labels like "Report Child Sexual Exploitation," allow anonymous reporting without account registration, and confirm receipt of reports. Non-compliant platforms face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day, with funds directed to child cybercrime investigations. The law excludes email services, government sites, educational tools, and non-user-generated content platforms from its requirements.
SB 233 establishes the Louisiana Statewide Data Exchange Compact, creating a standardized framework for secure data sharing between state agencies. It requires the Office of Technology Services to administer the compact, which agencies can voluntarily join to share sensitive information while meeting legal data security requirements. The compact mandates that participating agencies implement safeguards to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of shared data. This applies to all state departments, boards, universities, and other covered agencies that choose to adopt the agreement.
SB 346 prohibits K-12 schools and staff from creating or sharing deepfake audio or video content intended to coerce, harass, intimidate, or maliciously distribute against students. It defines "deepfake" as digitally altered media falsely appearing authentic (excluding political satire, news commentary, or clearly disclosed parodies), and requires the State Board of Education to develop implementation rules. The law directly affects all Louisiana public and private K-12 students and school employees, banning the use of manipulated media for harmful purposes. Key provisions include clear prohibitions on malicious deepfakes while preserving protected speech like satire, with enforcement through state education rules. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee.
SB 347 adds "unlawful deepfake" to the definition of "power-based violence" under Louisiana's Campus Accountability and Safety Act. The bill defines a "deepfake" as manipulated audio or video falsely appearing authentic to a reasonable observer, excluding political commentary, news, satire, or clearly disclosed content. This change directly affects college and university campuses in Louisiana, expanding how institutions address certain forms of harassment. The policy amendment specifically targets deepfakes used to control or intimidate others, aligning with existing campus safety definitions without creating new criminal penalties.
HB 853 prevents private companies from misleading consumers with solicitations that mimic government communications. It bans using fake government seals, references to state laws, or phrases like "final notice" to trick people into thinking a bill is from the government. Businesses must include clear disclaimers stating the offer isn’t government-related and explain subscription terms upfront. Violators face $1,000 fines per violation, plus triple damages for consumers harmed. The law directly affects all non-government businesses sending customer solicitations in Louisiana.
HB 916 adds a $5 fee for recording certain legal documents (like property deeds) with Louisiana clerks of court, effective January 1, 2027. The fee is collected by clerks and sent monthly to the Court Modernization and Technology Fund, which funds court technology upgrades and integration with a statewide electronic filing system. This directly affects individuals and businesses filing documents with local courts, as they will pay the additional fee. The funds specifically support modernizing court technology and creating a unified digital filing platform across all Louisiana courts.
HB 427, the "Kids Online Protection and Anti-Grooming Act," requires online platforms (like social media and video games) that contract with minors under 16 in Louisiana to prioritize minors' privacy. It mandates two key changes: setting minor accounts to private by default (visible only to connected users) and alerting legal guardians if minors encounter sexually explicit material. The bill directly affects platforms operating in Louisiana with minor users, defining "minor" as anyone under 16 not emancipated or married. These provisions aim to reduce exposure to harmful content and strengthen parental oversight through default settings and notification systems.
HB 445 transfers Louisiana's STEM Advisory Council from the Department of Education to Louisiana Works and redefines its responsibilities. The bill requires the council to create a statewide STEM education plan, coordinate programs with workforce needs, encourage industry funding, and establish a resource clearinghouse. It creates a dedicated STEM Education Fund to support student-focused programs (including robotics competitions via FIRST) from pre-K through college, funded by legislative appropriations and private donations. The council must submit annual reports to education committees and meet quarterly, with members able to participate electronically. This bill directly affects STEM education programs, schools, and industry partners across Louisiana.
