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 259 requires excavators or demolishers using federal BEAD Program funding (for broadband infrastructure) to provide one week's notice before work begins. If they damage underground utility infrastructure, they must immediately stop further damage, notify affected parties, and cover all repair costs. The bill also states that such entities cannot receive final reimbursement from Louisiana's broadband office until they fix any damage. This applies specifically to projects funded by the BEAD Program, not general construction activities.
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.
This legislative resolution asks the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to update school content standards to include artificial intelligence. The bill aims to ensure students learn about AI in a way that is safe, private, and ethical while preparing them for future work and civic life. By incorporating AI into academic instruction, the measure seeks to help Louisiana remain competitive in technology and other fields. The request is directed at the state education board, which is responsible for setting curriculum standards for public schools.
This bill asks the state's Public Service Commission to examine distributed energy generation and storage options for residents of this state. It directs the commission to study how these technologies can benefit local communities and includes a requirement to send a copy of the resolution to the commission's chairman. The text was amended to replace specific references to "Louisiana" with "this state" and to change mandatory language to a request. Ultimately, the measure serves as a formal request for the commission to conduct a study rather than a law that immediately changes regulations.
